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Alison’s Introduction to her Grandmother. 



ALISON’S ADVENTURES 


OR 

THE BRODERICK ESTATE 


A STORY FOB GIRLS 


BY./ 

LUCY G'ALILLIE 


AUTHOR OF “A FAMILY DILEMMA,” “ ESTHER’S FORTUNE,” 
“HELEN GLENN,” “FOR HONOR’S SAKE,” ETC., ETC. 



MAH 2 is 95 


PHILADELPHI 


A 



PORTER & COATES 



t 

l^ k 


Copyright, 1894 , 

BY 

PORTER & COATES. 


l V 
> . 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


CHAPTER I. 

The afternoon of a day exceptionally sultry, close, and 
depressing even for August in New York was slowly wear- 
ing itself away with only the hope of a possible thunder- 
storm at nightfall to make it at all endurable. 

The old-fashioned, still exclusive neighborhood of Stuy- 
vesant Square showed some animation only in the park 
itself; the houses bordering it, for the most part gen- 
teel in appearance, offering no indications as to whether 
their owners were in town or country. A few idlers, — 
nursery-maids with their charges, or mothers or elder 
sisters of the drudging community with theirs, — glad 
of the peaceful shade of the park trees, had the square in 
undisturbed possession. It was four o’clock, as the chime 
of old St. George’s, breaking the lazy stillness, had just 
informed the neighborhood, and the occupants of the 
benches or strollers in the heated walks began to glance 
apprehensively at the leaden sky. 

Not far from the western gate a young girl was seated, 
as she had been for an hour or more, apparently absorbed 
in a book open in her hands, yet frequently lifting her 
eyes from the printed age, gazing dreamily about with 
an air of preoccupation which gave a new look to 
her face — a peculiar force scarcely in keeping with her 
youth, the type which belongs to faces, it would seen}, 


2 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


created for a painter’s model of perfect girlhood, the 
dawning power of the woman just lighting into new 
expression eyes, lips, every glance, the whole beautified 
by the sort of soul-innocence far more captivating when 
seen in the woman than in the naturally unconscious child. 
Her costume of blue and white cambric, although well 
worn and washed, had been evidently fashioned by a 
skilled modiste , while the plainly trimmed little hat bore 
the “hall-mark” of some artist’s hand. Whether actually 
beautiful or not, few persons in their first glance at Alison 
Fane stopped to enquire. 

Something there w 7 as about the fair oval face with its 
darkly fringed hazel eyes, sensitive nose, well-formed 
mouth, and resolute, if dimpled, little chin which attracted 
by force of that indefinable, mystic power which the 
Italians call simpatica, and we are obliged to define by the 
too often used term personality. Better still when, at the 
sight of some merry prank of a little toddler on the grass, 
the girl’s abstraction vanished, her eyes under their dark 
fringes lighted, and her composed young lips relaxed into 
a lovely, dimpling smile; there was a look which made her 
face irresistible, a mingling of archness and intelligence 
for which the seriousness of a moment before had not pre- 
pared one, and after that there could be no question but 
that beauty of a really striking and, above all, interesting 
character the young girl in the well-worn cambric gown 
certainly possessed. 

Her attention from her own thoughts diverted by her 
neighbor’s little one, she closed her book, and, with a hasty, 
half-frowning look at the sky, started to leave the square. 
She had come out for quiet and reflection, but it was evi- 
dent from her manner, her listless way of walking home- 
ward, that no very satisfactory conclusions had been 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


3 


reached. But, in point of fact, the position in which 
Alison Fane found herself admitted of very scant material 
to build hopefully upon. Three weeks ago her only 
known relative, an elderly cousin, had died after an illness 
which very nearly exhausted the slender capital remaining 
in a New York bank. The income upon which she and 
Alison had lived comfortably proved to have been an 
annuity purchased, and spent, by old Mrs. Gildersleeve 
without a thought of the position in which ignorance of 
economy alone would place Alison at her death. It was 
only a year ago the when fatal character of her ail- 
ment was made known that the old lady had experienced 
any qualms of conscience on Alison’s account, but she 
was too innately selfish to alter in any way her mode of 
life even by allowing Alison to know and consider with 
her the probabilities of the future. Well aware that she 
was dying, and that the young girl who had been so long 
her cheerful, unselfish companion was being left painfully 
unequipped for the battle of life, Mrs. Gildersleeve pre- 
ferred that the reality of her position should come to 
Alison w 7 ith the shock it had rather than that her own 
last days be troubled by discussing troublesome matters 
with anyone. So it had come about that when, in the 
furnished rooms the two had occupied for three months, 
Mrs. Gildersleeve breathed her last Alison Fane had dis- 
covered that not only was she absolutely without knowl- 
edge of anyone to turn to, but almost penniless, the few 
hundreds remaining on Mrs. Gildersleeve’s bank account 
being in part devoted to settling up the doctor’s bill, the 
funeral expenses, etc., after which enough only remained 
to pay her way for a short time w 7 hile she “looked about.” 

At first Alison, who, however cold the companionship 
between her cousin and herself might have been, was 


4 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


not without a strong sense of natural affection and the 
value of a protector, felt too stunned or dazed to realize 
the dreariness of her situation. She did not even give up 
or change the three rooms they had occupied until her 
landlady, Mrs. Norton, suggested it. This alone it may 
have been which roused her to a consideration of what she 
could, might, or would do. The removal from the parlor 
to the top floor emphasized her change of fortunes sharply; 
and the first evening Alison sat alone in the summer twi- 
light upstairs gazing out upon the warm, tired city, the 
jumble of roofs and irregular buildings among the rather 
crooked intersection of streets below, she faced the idea, 
which had by slow degrees been forcing itself as fact upon 
her mind, that she was very much alone in a great world 
where she must speedily as possible become a bread- 
winner. 

Perhaps the sense of injustice in having left her so 
completely ignorant of what such a change would imply 
helped to make Alison’s grief for her cousin’s loss easier 
to bear. She had, in deference to the old lady’s wishes, 
attempted no mourning garments, but had grieved and 
very truly respected her in her heart. Now, in spite of 
herself, she could not but see how for years a cold, selfish 
method had been pursued. In waiting upon, amusing, 
keeping her old cousin company she had been allowed to 
waste much precious time, for since she was fourteen her 
education had been of a very desultory sort, abounding 
in real study of certain branches which had caught her 
own fancy, yet wofully lacking in “rudiments.” The 
only discipline of life had been the lesson of patience her 
cousin’s whims and oddities taught; of practical knowl- 
edge she was almost entirely ignorant, and but for certain 
traits of character and gifts of mind with which nature 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


5 


had endowed the girl she would have been pitiably 
helpless in the great, and to her lonely, world. 

But above and beyond all else Alison, as the very poise 
of her head and carriage of her slender, but firm, young 
figure showed, was independent by instinct, habit, and 
inclination. There was an innate bouyancy about her, 
a sort of calm, self -reassuring faith in things “seen and 
unseen,” which even Mrs. Gildersleeve’s cold, cut and 
dried sort of theories failed to impress; and while fully 
realizing her own deficiencies, still the girl had never yet 
opened her eyes on a day in which she had allowed herself 
to say, “I will fail”; and the very fact of repeated disap- 
pointments the past week had only made her see more 
clearly that she must not hope for too much, must not ex- 
pect just the kind of work she would like, but be ready to 
take whatever honorable employment was offered her. 
When it came to summing up her claims as a toiler, she 
had even laughed at her own lack of what was required in 
a school-teacher, governess, private secretary, or any such 
professional capacity. What she knew really well or 
could do creditably would have no market for her, as she 
found. In advertising she had been at a loss as to what 
to demand. She had no experience as a “saleslady”; 
she could at best be only a very second-rate “assistant” 
to a dressmaker; she might teach the very “young” if only 
the “rudiments” were required, for her knowledge of art in 
foreign countries, her fluent French and German, Seemed 
to be of small account unaccompanied by experience. 

One hope now remained, but that was on so slender a 
basis that Alison, as she turned her steps homeward, felt 
it too weak to be classed even among the probabilities, 
especially as a letter she had written on the strength of it 
at least two weeks ago remained unanswered. 


6 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


Among Mrs. Gildersleeve’s papers Alison had found an 
unfinished letter to a Mrs. Broderick, evidently a friend of 
long standing, possibly a family connection. The letter 
spoke of Alison as likely to be soon “alone,” in “need of 
employment”; it referred to former intimacy, mentioned a 
town called Exeford, in which was the only inheritance 
Alison had received from her father — a tiny cottage which 
rented at forty dollars a year. 

Alison had found this letter in an addressed envelope, 
and had, with a few lines stating her present needs and 
position, forwarded it to this unknown friend or relative 
of her late cousin’s. The address was'in care of a law firm, 
and Alison, hearing nothing, concluded they must be either 
ignorant of “Mrs. Broderick’s” whereabouts or the lady 
herself averse to picking up any broken threads, whether 
sundered by time or death. Still she could not feel alto- 
gether hopeless. When things are at their darkest, we 
look most eagerly for the tiny ray of silver, and youth, 
after all, is a power in itself. Alison, as she tried to keep 
in the shade on her homeward walk, persuaded herself to 
a dozen comforting theories in regard to Mrs. Broderick’s 
silence. She very probably was not in New York such 
weather as this, or might be considering what to say, to 
suggest. Anything was better, thought the young girl 
as she rang Mrs. Norton’s bell, than complete despondency. 


CHAPTER II. 


The Hortons occupied one of the old-fashioned brick 
houses not far from the square which a few decades ago 
were fresh from the builder’s hands, and, as Mrs. Norton 
was fond of saying, designed for the “ real aristocracy” ; 
but Benton Place to-day knows no patent to nobility, its 
quiet dwellings aspiring only to be respectable and 
genteel, as well as “let” to an orderly class of tenants. 
The Nortons were unusually interested in, and kind to, 
their young lodger, and she in turn decidedly grateful for 
their protection, which prevented her feeling wholly cast 
upon the world. She made not the least secret of her 
position, even to the exact state of her finances, and the 
mother and daughters, two cheery, active girls, were as 
much interested as though old friends in our heroine’s 
daily efforts, her chances of success, her hopes, her disap- 
pointments, even failures. 

Now as Nora, the youngest girl, opened the door for 
their young lodger it was with an air of mystery or sup- 
pressed excitement. 

“He’s in the parlor,” she whispered eagerly. “Oh, you 
didn’t know, of course! He said he had written, but his 
letter must be the one in the stand drawer that came while 
you were out. He wants to see you at once.” 

Alison thanked the girl hurriedly, pausing in the hall 
just long enough to see that her letter was from the firm 
in whose care Mrs. Broderick’s correspondence had been 
addressed. In briefest business fashion it simply stated 


7 


8 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


that “our clerk, Mr. Powers, will call about 5 p. m. in 
connection with a letter to our client Mrs. Rachel Brod- 
erick,” and was signed “Wilks & Allan.” 

Alison glanced hastily in the little hall mirror as she 
removed her hat and passed her fingers lightly through 
the soft chestnut hair waving naturally on her brow. 
Heat had the effect of making her pale, not flushed, and 
the tone of her eyes under their dark lashes seemed deeper 
in consequence, the pretty crimson of her lips preventing 
any thought of over-delicacy in the white of the skin. 
But what she looked like was the least of Alison’s consid- 
erations. Her heart was beating anxiously in nervous, if 
hopeful, strokes as she turned the handle of the parlor 
door and went in. 

A small, dark-haired, sedate-looking man of fifty rose 
to receive her greeting with a half-questioning glance at 
her blue and white attire. 

Alison smiled faintly. 

“I am Alison Fane,” she said in her soft, girlish accents. 
“I am not wearing black, because my cousin especially 
desired I should not.” 

“Very sensible, miss,” said Mr. Powers, reseating him- 
self, and holding his straw hat in both hands between his 
knees, while in a rapid glance at the girlish figure in one 
corner of the sofa near by he reflected that she was “tip- 
top,” “quite a little lady,” and then said in an alert, busi- 
ness-like tone : “We forwarded your letter, Miss Fane, 
to our client, and — h’m — well, she considered it carefully 
and commissioned me to say she will be glad to see you, 
but not to expect too much, as she is a — well, in fact, 
recluse is her own word. She mixes, she says, with too 
few people to be of any particular service to you.” 

Alison listened to the rather halting sentences with 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


9 


entire attention, but a puzzled expression not lost upon 
the little man. 

“But, Mr. Powers,” she said when he had finished, “if 
she feels she can be of no service, why should I trouble 
her with a visit?” 

“Oh, don’t misunderstand me, my dear,” exclaimed Mr. 
Powers anxiously. “She — well — feared you would build 
too much on mere relationship or connection 

“Relationship! connection!” exclaimed Alison, with 
changing color. “I had not the least idea that such a 
thing existed!” 

It was Mr. Powers’ turn to look surprised, and he did so 
with the promptest elevation of his brows and pursing up 
of his lips. 

“Can that be possible?” he said, wiping his forehead 
with his white silk handkerchief, and staring at the young 
girl before him as if to be sure there was no dissimulation 
in her apparently frank speech. But an instant’s reflec- 
tion showed him that she w^ould be the last one anxious to 
disclaim knowledge of a connection with Mrs. Broderick. 
“Why, she supposed you knew of it, of course, although, 
come to think of it, she did say she had requested Mrs. 
Gildersleeve not to make it known, but we know what 
that means between two women.” He smiled shrewdly. 

Alison leaned her head on her hand, deep in thought, 
too much surprised to speak for a moment, since she 
realized how much might lie back of this revelation. 
Mrs. Gildersleeve’s cautious manner in regard to any 
family matter, her apparent loneliness, lack of all ties of 
kinship, the fact that while abroad she had encouraged 
Alison in going among her friends, even allowing her some 
“society,” while at home in their own country no nun 
could have led a more secluded life — all these hitherto 


10 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


meaningless ideas or “caprices” of her late cousin seemed 
now to take on a curious importance. Bright, alert, 
spirited as she was by nature, Alison was singularly devoid 
of curiosity, and it had prevented any but the most casual 
enquiries into the cause for any dictum her cousin and 
guardian had uttered. But this news of actual relation- 
ship with a person hitherto no more than a name to her 
made the young girl see that both of the past and future 
there would be much to learn. 

“She never spoke of Mrs. Broderick to me,” Alison said 
at last, lifting her young eyes with a gravely anxious look 
in them to Mr. Powers’ face. “It was by the merest 
chance I sent that unfinished letter, and only because” — 
her cheek colored — “I had tried so many ways to get 
employment, and every day made it only more impor- 
tant.” 

“Mrs. Gildersleeve’s income,, then, died with her?” Mr. 
Powers said, really interested now in this lonely, but 
independent, young creature who looked at once ill fit to 
cope with the rougher side of bread-winning, yet fully 
equal to a spirited contest with any fate. 

“Yes; when all was settled, there was barely anything 
left, and work of some kind, you see, was necessary.” 

“Yes; but it is strange she made no provision for you. 
She must have known ” 

Alison interrupted him. 

“It is useless to discuss it, sir. My cousin’s health for 
a long time made even talking on business a dangerous 
excitement, but I fully believe she intended to make 
matters clear to me from little things she said, only at the 
last her death was terribly sudden.” 

“Ah, yes — um, yes,” assented the legal gentleman, nod- 
ding his head sagely. “Put it off and put it off, the way 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


11 


I’ve seen many a one do. Well, my dear young lady,” he 
added in a brisker tone, “all that’s neither here nor 
there. This isn’t business — at least the business in hand. 
Mrs. Broderick desired me to say that she will be pleased 
to see you to-morrow morning about ten o’clock, when she 
will discuss matters with you. Do you know your way 
about? She lives in rather an out of the way place, though 
even in my boyhood the neighborhood was considered a 
most genteel one. Anyway, it’s her oldest home, I believe, 
and the old lady clings to it. If anyone could persuade 
her to move, it might add ten years to her life, but so far 
no one has.” 

He was writing an address on the back of his own card 
as he spoke, and handed it to the still thoughtful, puzzled 
Alison. The street was quite unknown to her, but she 
could easily find it, or Molly Norton would go with her. 

“Thank you,” the young girl said quietly, and as Mr. 
Power’s rose to depart, she added with a quick smile and 
blush : “Oh, one thing more, if you please. You spoke 
of my relationship to Mrs. Broderick. Can you tell me, 
sir, if you please, what it is?” 

Mr. Powers, hat in hand, stared again, and then laughed 
good-humoredly. 

“Well, upon my word, my dear child,” he said indul- 
gently, “it’s about time you hunted up your family tree! 
Mrs. Broderick! Why, she’s your grandmother /” 


CHAPTER III. 


Alison remained standing for five minutes just where 
Mr. Powers left her, too completely overcome by the sur- 
prising revelation in his last words to either move or 
speak. The transition from a state in which one has 
fancied one’s self almost without kith or kin to that in 
which so definite a lineal relation is discovered would 
overwhelm the staidest among us, and Alison was young 
enough to have it come upon her with a force in which all 
feelings but absolute wonder and surprise were forgotten; 
since, as she presently found herself thinking, one’s 
cousins may exist anywhere unknown to us upon the 
earth’s surface, but a being so closely allied as a parent’s 
own mother to have been all one’s life an unknown 
quantity, so to speak, seemed almost too strange to be 
true. Yet the pleasant, elderly gentleman who had, after 
sending his bombshell, just departed could not have 
been mistaken. How surprised he had seemed that she 
was unaware of such a connection ! How actually incred- 
ulous he had looked ! But his surprise or bewilderment 
was as nothing to her own. Alison presently moved away 
in a mechanical fashion with some dim idea of reaching 
her own room to “ think it all out,’' for the family supper, 
which by arrangement she shared, would not take place 
until nearly seven, and it was as yet not six o’clock. 

No one met her on the way upstairs, and even in those 
first half-dazed moments Alison decided that, at all events 
until after her interview with Mrs. Broderick next day, 

1 2 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


13 


she would say nothing of the most important piece of news 
Mr. Powers had brought her. A queer dread lest the 
meeting prove in some way unsatisfactory governed even 
her pleasure in finding herself less wholly friendless than 
she had supposed, but she was glad of the relief which 
even knowing of and expecting to see so near a relative 
had already given her. It was something, it was much , to 
the poor child, the desolate young orphan, to feel herself 
possessed of one really human tie. 

“And yet,” thought Alison as she entered her own room, 
and, taking off her hat, flung herself into a deep chair by 
the window, “only last night I was wondering if I could 
really believe lie cares for the widowed and the orphaned ! 
Oh ! God send it may mean at least work of some honest 
sort to me !” 

Alison leaned back, her eyes fixed on the roofs and tree- 
tops, the lurid sky seen from her window, while thoughts 
of the farthest past rose in her remembrance — pictures 
suddenly forming themselves, the very elements of which 
she had been scarcely conscious before of remembering. 
But now all took on a distinct importance. Those ques- 
tions of parentage, those far-away memories of her child- 
hood which she had never discussed with anyone, were 
of supreme value, since on the morrow she was to stand 
face to face with her mother’s parent — she knew it must 
be on her mother’s side, since her father’s parents were 
long since dead. 

Of her baby days Alison remembered only that they 
were spent in the country somewhere; then had come a 
journey at sea, during which she recalled the terror of a 
storm, and her sense of security when her father held her 
closely in his strong arms ; later scenes Were in a French 
seaport town, where her mother died, where she had 


14 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


some happy days in her father’s company, — she recalled 
perfectly his studio, the people who visited them, who 
petted, indulged, caressed her, — and although she knew 
her parents must have been very poor, she remembered 
no actual privation. Then came the dreariest time of all, 
when she was perhaps twelve years of age : they had been 
back once to America and returned to Dieuville — her 
father’s long illness, death, and the arrival of Mrs. Gilder- 
sleeve, with whom when “all was over” she had gone 
away. Strange enough it now seemed to the girl that in 
all these recollections none supplied the least hint of 
family history, ties, or connection, except that slender one 
with Mrs. Gildersleeve, and Alison regretted now keenly 
both her own lack of curiosity and her old cousin’s per- 
sistent reticence. Strange indeed did it seem to be about 
to meet so near a relative as her grandmother in total 
ingorance of all concerning her own mother and father’s 
past! How would it impress Mrs. Broderick? Might 
it not even imply that somewhere hung a cloud which 
darkened the histories of those so dear to her? But 
however that might be, thought Alison, to believe her 
father guilty of anything disgraceful was impossible. 
No. Unfortunate he might have been, probably was, 
but guilty or disgraced — never. Her memories were too 
clear to admit of doubt on this score at least; and there 
rose before her mental vision a picture of the fine, open, 
kindly face of her father, Donald Fane — the clear, speak- 
ing eyes, the noble brow, the well-formed nose and finely 
curved lips, all candor, honesty, nobility’s very self; and 
Alison, without in the least knowing why, instinctively 
arrayed herself against this newly discovered kinswoman, 
believing, since she had never sought her, Fane’s only 
child, she must have undervalued him. 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


15 


But, in spite of this defensive armor against any dis- 
coveries on the morrow, Alison went down at seven 
o’clock to the family living- and dining-room, the front 
basement, with a very cheerful manner and expression. 
Hope had been thoroughly aroused. She was young, 
naturally light-hearted, and ready to take as bright a view 
of life as the fates would permit. 

Mrs. Norton, a stout, good-humored woman of forty- 
five, was just placing the last dish on the supper-table, and 
looked up to say : “Too hot this weather for cooked food, 
aint it, my dear?” a stereotyped remark since the heated 
term had set in, and Alison said the usual “Oh, yes, of 
course,” as she took her place, with the widow and her 
daughters and a tall, reserved-looking young man, the only 
son and hope of the family, assembled to do justice to bread 
and butter, cold ham, and a fresh-looking salad, with tea, 
which Alison drank always from thirst or courtesy alone. 

“Well, Miss Fane, I hope your friend brought good 
new T s,” Mrs. Norton said in her cheery voice, glanc- 
ing at Alison’s brightening young face. “You look 
smarter.” 

“He desired me to call on Mrs. Broderick to-morrow,” 
Alison answered, smiling. “I don’t know what to expect, 
but she would hardly have sent for me, I think, unless it 
was to my advantage.” 

“No, indeed,” Mrs. Norton and Molly had just said 
together when Connor, the grave young man, enquired: 

“Broderick, did you say the name was?” and on 
Alison’s nodding in assent he continued : “We’ve done 
some work for a Mrs. Broderick in our office” — a real 
estate agent’s. “I wonder if it is the same.” 

“I don’t know, of course,” said Alison, and, eager to hear 
something of her unknown kinswoman from an impartial 


16 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


stranger, she added: “This lady is very old, I fancy. 
She lives in an out of the way place — 18 Mordick Street.” 

Connor Norton’s shrewd, quiet eyes gleamed. 

“The very same,” he exclaimed. “Well, Miss Fane, if 
you make anything out of her , you’ll be smarter than 
most of us.” 

He turned again to his supper, but Alison w’as too 
anxious for further particulars to let the subject rest there. 

“Why, do tell me, Mr. Norton; 1 am — she is a perfect 
stranger to me! Can’t you give me some hints or points 
that may help me? Ho, please.” 

“Why, yes, Connor,” said his mother, regarding her son 
with complacency and pride. “I’m sure, Miss Fane, if 
anyone could put you up to a point or two, it would 
be Connor, for, quiet as he is, he takes it all in.” 

“Oh, bother!” laughed the object of these remarks, 
looking, nevertheless, fully aware of his own importance. 
“I guess, mother, Miss Fane’s smart enough to see it for 
herself. I only meant,” he added, turning with a judicial 
air to Alison, who sat on his right hand, “that the old lady 
has the name of being a dreadful screw. But there’s 
money enough there ! Why, the last piece of property she 
bought from us we offered her an advance of twenty per 
cent, on a month later! We’d never have sold it at the 
figure we did if the boss had been home. He was mad, I 
can tell you, when he came back. But the old girl 
wouldn’t give it up, and it’s doubled in value since.” 

“But is she — miserly?” Alison asked, with a contrac- 
tion of the heart again. 

“I guess so,” young Norton answered slowly. “At 
least the only time I was in the house on Mordick Street 1 
thought she looked to live like it. She seems pretty well 
alone in the world.” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


17 


“Yes,” said Alison in a low tone, “we are related, this 
gentleman told me, yet, as I never heard of her before, I 
can scarcely believe it until I see her.” 

“Related!” exclaimed Nora eagerly. “Why, Miss 
Fane, perhaps you’ll turn out to be her heiress! Like 
someone in a book or a play !” 

Alison laughed and shook her head. 

“No such destiny, my dear,” she answered. “Mrs. 
Broderick, 1 think, would have hardly ignored my existence 
all these years if she intended anything so fine at this late 
date. No, indeed. If she will only put me in the way of 
a good means of earning my living, I’ll be more than 
thankful.” 

“And very sensible you are, my dear,” declared Mrs. 
Norton. “Dead men’s shoes wear out in waiting for 
them. I’d rather stand and work in my own any day. 
Don’t you fret, Miss Alison! You won’t need to be idle 
long. Why, perhaps Molly’s boss will send for you yet. 
Especially as you looked so nice jn that new mantle. 
You’re just the one for a figure in a shop like Been & 
Harrison’s.” 

Alison’s smile and sigh together were expressive. It 
was difficult to say why, but she shrank from work such as 
good-hearted Molly Norton was trying to obtain for her in 
the large establishment where she worked herself; still, as 
she knew, she could not “pick and choose.” If the inter- 
view with her grandmother came to nothing, then she 
would beg Molly to redouble her efforts, and go with her 
the very next day to interview the dreaded Mr. Been him- 
self. Something within her, however, made Alison feel 
sure she could cope with a field in which her brains would 
be better utilized than in the mere standing as a lay figure 
upon which mantles and wraps and coats could be draped 
2 


18 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


and tried on. Surely her grandmother — how strange even 
to think of applying the title to anyone! — would use what- 
ever influence she had to obtain some more congenial em- 
ployment, even though it involved hard work, for Alison’s 
whole nature was refined, and every plan for activity was 
with a hope that her work should be something as improv- 
ing as it was useful. To lead a life such as these simple, 
kindly friends of hers the Nortons did, for instance, 
would be, Alison thought as, supper over, she lingered 
with the family for a while, intolerable to her, yet 
it might easily enough become the only kind of existence 
open. It was certainly not because Molly or Nora’s work 
of itself was deteriorating — the former was one of the 
principal “cutters” at Been & Harrison’s, the latter was 
cashier in a stationer’s store on Broadway — but the whole 
endeavor of life seemed with them to be fulfilled in earn- 
ing their wages, and enjoying an “evening out” at theatre, 
dance, or park, dressed stylishly, well escorted, and in 
what they considered “jolly” company; its end and aim, 
in short, getting as much that was good to eat and wear, 
as much so-called “fun,” as their purses, circle, and 
opportunities afforded. Their literature was of the usual 
weekly story -paper order, with an occasional cheap novel; 
their views of that wider, nobler life which Alison 
yearned to enjoy, as well as of the cruder, narrower one 
nearer home, were based on their own instincts and ideas; 
and, in spite of abundant natural good nature and genuine 
kindness of heart, shown our heroine constantly, their 
opinions of people, their motives, were so narrow that 
Alison looked on, listened often in wonderment. She 
could not have been happy herself with such a “point of 
view,” but when a chance word escaped showing her 
opinions as very different, Mrs. Norton would smile, shake 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


19 


her head, and say sagely: “It’s all very 'well, my dear, to 
feel like that for a 'while. But you’ll find real life and 
real people very different.” 

Still Alison clung obstinately to her own ideas. Until 
some terribly severe wrench came to force judgment, 
inclination, instinct, as well as faith wholly asunder, she 
would picture life and the world, and believe humanity 
in general, to be what she thought, hoped, it was, and, at 
all events, it made her own daily life easier to bear. Some 
rose-colored shafts from the light of fancy entered, touch- 
ing and warming her own existence. “If I am foolish or 
romantic,” she would sometimes say to herself, “I shall at 
least not find it out at once, and meanwhile I like to think 
and feel as I do.” 

But it did not affect her practical view as to her own 
needs and hopes where work was concerned ; nor did it in 
the least encourage any such romantic view concerning 
Mrs. Broderick as Nora Norton had suggested. Fortu- 
nately for herself and others, Alison possessed a decided 
vein of common-sense which checked her flight just in 
time, and made her able to smile at anything exaggerated 
in her own ideas. She sat on the end of the old sofa while 
the hot summer evening drifted along, only half hearing 
the girls chatter about a trip planned for Coney Island the 
next day. 

“Oh, Miss Alison, do come,” pleaded Nora. “You 
know, we can’t get away until four o’clock, but the boys 
will meet us at the boat, and it will be a lovely evening’s 
sail up.” 

“Perhaps I will,” said Alison after a moment. She had 
felt the heat severely, and had had not a moment’s change 
of air all summer. She need not talk much. The rest of 
the party were quite sufficient to themselves, and she could 


20 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


enjoy the sea-breeze and the long beach and the moonlight 
sail home. It was very kind of the girls, she reflected, to 
ask her, since they knew on one or two expeditions to the 
park she had not been a very lively companion. But there 
it was. Genuine kindness of heart w r as really as natural 
as the spirit of carping criticism they had simply 
indulged themselves in, with no idea whatever of unkind- 
ness, nor that thereby they were ignoring one of the 
grandest principles of humanity: “Do unto others as you 
would have them do unto you,” nor that when St. Paul 
wrote his sublime treatise on the great virtues of life he 
meant for just such careless tongues the final admonition : 
“But the greatest of these is charity.” 

Alison went up to her room early. The storm had 
burst, and lashed her window-panes fiercely long after she 
was in bed trying to sleep. Her prayers had been offered 
humbly, eagerly, hopefully. She did not dare expect 
much, nor lose sight of what Connor Norton’s hint 
implied, but she fell asleep with better heart and more 
contented feeling than had been hers since death robbed 
her of the only natural protector she knew. 


CHAPTER IV. 


Alison was awake early, glad to see that the storm had 
cleared the sky and somewhat cooled the atmosphere. But 
it was decidedly too warm to wear her only really smart 
dress, a black lade and silk; moreover, as she decided, a 
simple morning costume would be in better taste on such 
a visit; and in the cool-looking gray cambric with belt of 
black ribbon, and a small black hat, with violets for trim- 
ming, Alison fully justified Mrs. Norton’s favorite expres- 
sion that she was “quite the little lady.” 

Mordick Street, although long since forgotten by its 
once fashionable denizens, was not a long walk, and 
Molly’s directions were explicit enough to make Alison 
independent of any escort. She set out about half-past 
nine, feeling on excellent terms with the world once more, 
a quiet gleam of hope and youthful expectancy lighting 
her face and giving vigor to her step. After all, so 
near a relative as a grandmother could not be wholly 
unresponsive. If she were very old and ill and lonely, 
how gladly, thought the young girl, she would minister to 
her wants and help cheer her declining years! Old age 
had always attracted Alison. When she was still a child, 
she well remembered being laughed at by her little com- 
rades in Dieuville for her devotion to two or three aged 
people in the place. When she carried fruit to old Menie 
Despard, and sat all of a long summer’s afternoon in the 
poor creature’s miserable dwelling, how the other children 
had ridiculed her! But Alison at eight years old was 

21 


22 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


spirited enough to hold her own, and no amount of banter 
interfered with the generous intentions of her childish 
heart; nor would even a rebuff now, she decided, dis- 
hearten her at the start. She framed resolutions full of 
disinterested benevolence toward the relative who had 
so long ignored her existence, and reached No. 18 deter- 
mined that, on her side at all events, the meeting should 
be friendly, if not affectionate. 

The street was one of a few in the old region of the city 
which have retained the air of aristocratic seclusion and 
even elegance which marked their first period. The brick 
houses with the dormer-roofed upper stories, which were 
unbroken save by two shops at wide intervals along the 
street, had a dignity of their own in spite of the fact that 
fashion, grace, all external signs of distinction, had long 
since crept further north and w r estward. But nearly 
every house bore a small sign with “Furnished rooms 
to let” at one side of the hall-door. No. 18 was on the 
corner; its design was decidedly the oldest and most 
imposing in the street, yet even the outer expression of 
the many window's, the door-way itself, the area and base- 
ment entrance, looked gloomy. There was no bell, and 
Alison lifted the old-fashioned knocker with a slightly 
nervous dread of what might follow. 

A tall, rather gaunt woman of fifty or thereabout, in a 
rusty black alpaca and small lace cap, admitted her; evi- 
dently she was expected, for, scarcely waiting to hear the 
young girl’s enquiry, she opened the door of a sitting- 
room to the left of the hall, and, requesting Alison to be 
seated, went leisurely up the stairs. 

Alison glanced eagerly about her. If this were her 
kinswoman’s parlor or living-room, it might offer some 
suggestion or clue to her habits and ideas. Anything 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


23 


drearier can scarcely be imagined. The carpet, though 
clean, was nearly threadbare; the horse-hair furniture was 
worn; the portraits on the walls, well executed, it is true, 
were of men and women — there were four — severely plain 
in feature and dress. Not an ornament of any kind, not 
even a book, broke the chilling severity of the parlor, for 
such it evidently was. Large folding doors, heavily 
panelled, divided it from a rear room; the lofty ceiling 
was adorned with a garland in plaster above the pendent 
for a chandelier swathed in yellow gauze. On the high, 
ugly chimney-piece was a clock which had stopped at 
seven o’clock on some by-gone night or morning. Alto- 
gether a room more completely devoid of individuality or 
anything which could indicate the tastes or methods of its 
owner could not well be imagined, unless, indeed, in its 
ugly bareness it spoke of a cold, unfeeling, miserly nature. 

Alison had not long to wait. The gaunt serving-woman 
returned in a few moments, and, with a wintry sort of 
smile, informed the visitor that “Mrs. Broderick was not 
up, but would see Miss Fane in her room,” and, turning, 
led the way up a staircase the carpet of which was really 
beyond patching and decidedly insecure. Her guide 
looked back once or twice to say: “Take care, miss — 
there’s a loose piece there,” or: “Be careful, miss,” but 
offered no apology for the miserable condition of things, 
nor any further remark, as she opened a door over the parlor 
and ushered her into a large dimly lighted room. A huge 
four-poster, at the side facing the door, riveted Alison’s 
attention, for in it, propped up by several pillows, was her 
nearest relative on earth — her grandmother — Mrs. Rachel 
Broderick. 

A woman who might have been sixty-five, or ten years 
older. Her face was thin, ivory white, pinched, and 


24 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


haggard, yet no one could doubt that the worn features, 
and the dark eyes, had once been beautiful; but the 
ravages of time were nothing, it was clear, to those of the 
spirit, the nature, of the lonely old woman. The eyes, 
under their frowning brows, if “windows of the soul,” 
showed that soul full of suspicion, avarice, and the rest- 
lessness of an overburdened life and sordid nature. The 
thin lips were closed in a sharp line; the chin, resolute 
and square, expressed the energy of spirit which would 
linger in the old woman until death itself. A cap of 
clean white cambric concealed all but the very front of 
Mrs. Broderick’s iron-gray hair. Over her night-dress 
was a gown of faded red silk, and the hands resting on 
the coverlet, white and bony, were sparkling with jew- 
elled rings. 

Alison tried to smile, to speak, as she gazed at this 
spectre of her ideal old “grandmother,” whom she could 
caress and comfort, while Mrs. Broderick, it was evident, 
was studying the young girl closely. But, whatever she 
thought or felt, she said in a sharp tone: 

“Well, you are Alison Fane, eh? Sit down. Janet” — 
to the attendant — “push over that chair.” 

Janet did as she w ? as bid; Alison likewise obeyed her 
grandmother’s ungraciously uttered command, and Mrs. 
Broderick, without altering the fixed gaze, continued: 

“Pow r ers tells me you never heard of me before. Is 
that true?” 

Alison, who had swiftly resolved to be as gentle as she 
could, flushed quickly. 

“True? Certainly, ma’am.” It was difficult to know 
by what name or title to address this old lady, so Alison 
made a compromise between the too formal “Mrs. Brod- 
erick” and the thoroughly unfamiliar “grandmother.” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


25 


“H’m. That seems queer, although I did make Jane 
Gildersleeve agree I shouldn’t be bothered.” The old 
lady looked at her young visitor with if possible still 
more intensity, and added: “Didn’t you know who your 
parents were?” 

“Yes, ma’am,” rejoined Alison, a curious fearlessness 
coming to her beneath Mrs. Broderick’s sharp scrutiny. 

“ I knew that my mother’s maiden name was Ruth Fairfax, 
and my father was Donald Fane. My mother died when 
I was little more than a baby.” 

“You were three years old, if not four,” said Mrs. 
Broderick. “Did your father never speak of me?” 

Something — no doubt the conciousness that her dear 
father had been wronged — lit Alison’s soft eyes with 
unwonted fire and gave a peculiar pride to her tone as she 
answered : 

“Never; I have a faint remembrance of hearing of 
someone named Fairfax, never of my grandmother.” 

“My second husband was Broderick,” the old lady said 
shortly. “ Well, I suppose your father knew any appeal 
to me after your mother’s disobedience in marrying him 
would be useless. It is true we held no communication/ 
but let me tell you it was I who sent Jane Gildersleeve F 
look you up, on the distinct understanding I was not to be 
brought into the matter.” 

A look, half of enquiry, half of gratitude, softened 
Alison’s face. “Then my life with her — my expenses,” 
she asked eagerly — “have I to thank you for them?” 

“Humph! as for thanks,” retorted Mrs. Broderick, “I 
don’t know that I look or care for any, as it was a business 
arrangement to suit my own convenience. It was easier 
for me to give a small allowance to Jane than to be 
bothered with continual applications or to have had you 


26 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


actually on my hands. I never pretend to take credit for 
anything undeserved.” 

“Nevertheless,” said Alison, with a faint smile, “I 
thank you. Since my cousin’s death my experience has 
shown me how dreadful it would have been had I been 
cast on the* world alone when my poor father died.” 

“And what do you intend doing now?” demanded Mrs. 
Broderick, with another searching look. 

Alison smiled. “Whatever I can,” she answered, and 
briefly related her efforts, the suggestion Mary Norton had 
made about Been & Harrison’s. Mrs. Broderick listened 
shrewdly. Not a gleam of sympathy was there in her 
expression nor any apparent interest; she was evidently 
considering the question in a purely business light. 

“Then you are not afraid of work?” she said as Alison 
concluded her statement of the case. 

“On the contrary, I am just now very much afraid of 
idleness.” 

Mrs. Broderick leaned back among her pillows, folded 
her hands, and closed her eyes, evidently to. aid reflection. 
Alison, in silence not altogether uncheerful, traced the 
pattern of the well-worn carpet noiselessly with the point 
of her parasol, looked up at the green blind of the window, 
around at the faded, cumbersome furniture, the desk 
crowded to overflowing with papers and documents of all 
kinds, the table laden with the paraphernalia of a sick 
room, all more or less dusty, poverty-stricken, and unin- 
viting to every sense. The heat and glare of the day had 
been partially excluded, yet the atmosphere was decidedly 
heavy, and Alison as she sat there, once or twice let- 
ting her eyes rest on the worn old figure under the bed- 
clothes, the flashing rings alone betokening anything 
but actual poverty, wondered why on the threshold of 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


27 


eternity Mrs. Broderick could not allow herself a more 
comfortable existence, a condition of things in which she 
could give her soul time to awaken and know it’s needs 
and hopes, its claims on the eternal! 

The old lady’s black eyes opened slowly. “Well,” she 
observed, “I see you weren’t afraid I had gone to sleep. 
Perhaps you expect something very fine now. I’ve just 
been calculating what it would cost me to keep you here 
for a few days or weeks at furthest.” 

Alison found nothing to say, and Mrs. Broderick con- 
tinued : 

“As prices go now I might do it for Si. 75 a week. 
Now the question is, How could you make it pay me?” 

For an instant the young girl was tempted to end the 
discussion by declaring she would find a home and employ- 
ment elsewhere, but a very brief consideration showed 
her that, for the present at least, it was better to have the 
shelter and protection of her grandmother’s roof and 
name. It would at least deprive her of that feeling of 
complete human isolation. It would create, what she so 
needed, a natural tie; it would give her some proper foot- 
ing even in the search for employment which she would 
not abandon; and there could be no injustice to her grand- 
mother in accepting hospitality for such purely business 
reasons, since by her own words Mrs. Broderick showed 
that she offered nothing gratis . 

“One dollar and seventy-five cents a week!” answered 
Alison, smiling. “ I pay Mrs. Norton three dollars now for 
my table board, so I hardly think, ma’am, you could do it 
for less. However, in return I will try to make myself 
useful.” 

“What can you do?” 

“In what line?” 


23 


ALISON* 8 ADVENTURES. 


“Never mind — anything. Can you read aloud?” 

“Oh, yes, indeed! Cousin Jane always liked my 
reading.” 

“And can you keep accounts?” 

“If not too difficult. I always kept hers — ours, even 
when we travelled.” 

“Do you know how to make a shilling or a quarter go 
it’s full value?” 

Alison laughed. “I ought to! I’ve never had a penny 
to throw away since — since I was very young.” 

Mrs. Broderick was again silent. “Very well,” she said 
at last, “we can try it, anyway. Remember, I promise 
nothing. If at the end of the first week it doesn’t work, 
I’ll try to get you something to do elsewhere. Only mind 
one thing: My will is made long ago and I haven’t men- 
tioned you in it, nor shall I change it. If you turn out 
well, and do your duty by me, I may see that you have 
three or four hundred dollars to start you in life when I 
am gone. And another point: This is what you will 
probably call a dull house, and your coming or going won’t 
alter it. I don’t wish anyone calling upon you, and 1 
won’t have any gadding about. You can take a w r alk 
every day, but 1 won’t have any fallalling. I’m not ask- 
ing you to stay or to go — only if you do go, that is, if you 
don’t accept my offer, I never wish to hear from you 
again.” 

Alison listened with mingled feelings to this long and 
utterly unfeeling address. A dozen answers rose to her 
lips, her cheeks flushed and paled again, but in pursuance 
of her first decision she forced herself to say quietly: 

“Very well, grandmother. As it is your house, you 
have a right to make the rules for those in it. As you say, 
we can but try it.” 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


29 


“ Humph! Well, go downstairs — you can find your 
way to the kitchen — and tell Janet Holdsworthy to warm 
my broth and bring it up to me.” 

Alison was by no means unwilling to leave the sick 
chamber, and went downstairs, remembering Janet’s 
caution at every step, and found the kitchen staircase 
without difficulty. In spite of the same air of retrench- 
ment and severity which marked the house, so far as she 
had seen it, there was something quite cheerful about 
Janet’s domain. It had been built when the house was 
intended for a large, wealthy family, and its generous 
proportions, many closets, ample range, and good side- 
board suggested comfort, while the windows, opening on 
a square of garden in the rear, were cheerful and set off 
by curtains of dotted lace, much washed and mended, but 
clean, as was everything in Janet’s domain. The woman 
herself looked decidedly more attractive, Alison thought, 
as she saw her for the second time, and before she had 
made known her errand Janet had approached, and, wiping 
her eyes on the corner of her white. apron, bent down and, 
to the young girl’s surprise, kissed her cheek. 

“Eh! my dear,” she said, shaking her head, “I wonder 
old madame didn’t cry out wffien she saw you! You’re as 
like your dear, sweet mother as her own picture!” 

“What!” exclaimed Alison eagerly. “Did you know 
her, Janet?” 

“Did I!” said the old woman scornfully. “Didn’t I 
dress and wash her da j in and day out till she could do it 
for herself? Didn’t she cry her pretty eyes out many a 
time on my shoulder? Ah, my dear! I was the last she 
kissed as she left home on her wedding morning.” 

Alison, whether from the really nervous strain she had 
undergone of late, or from something irresistibly sorrow- 


30 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


ful in the good woman’s tone and words, it was impossible 
to say, broke down suddenly and burst into tears. 

“There! there! honey,” said Janet soothingly. She 
took her in her still vigorous arms, doubtless as she had 
often done her poor young mother, and, removing her hat, 
smoothed and stroked Alison’s soft chestnut hair with 
one of her thin, but gentle, hands. “Never mind! If 
words of mine can keep you here, here you’ll stay, and 
maybe — who knows, dear? — God ’ll soften her hard old 
heart in time.” 


. CHAPTER V. 


When Janet returned to the kitchen after an absence 
of nearly twenty minutes, Alison had composed herself, 
and was standing in the window trying to imagine how 
the ordeal of the coming week would be endured; for, in 
spite of the relief which an assured resting-place and 
protection gave her, she felt very little doubt but that 
life in the gloomy old house would, as her grandmother 
had said, be dull indeed. However, Janet’s affectionate 
friendliness would go far to reconcile her, and if she could 
escape from Mrs. Broderick for an occasional chat with 
the one who recalled her mother so tenderly, things would 
not be quite cheerless. 

“Well, my dear!” said Janet, coming in almost briskly, 
-“she’s been telling me, your grandmother, that you’re 
come to stay ! At least she says for you to go back to 
your boarding-house now, pack up and” — -Janet smiled 
grimly — “pay up and get a receipt, and be here before 
nightfall. You’d best come early,” added Janet, “for, 
you see, she has her bit of supper about six o’clock, and it 
won’t do to be later; maybe there ’d be nothing for us, 
d’ye see?” 

Alison laughed and thought she did see, and, under- 
standing her grandmother was not to be disturbed for any 
leave-taking, bade Janet good-by, and hastened back to 
Benton Place, where the contrast of the cheerful, if a 
trifle vulgar, household to the gloomy one she had just 
quitted was a decided relief. Mrs. Norton was sewing 

31 


32 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


in tlie front basement with Nora, who had taken half a 
day off in view of the evening’s amusement, and both 
mother and daughter greeted her, looking up from the 
muslins and edgings they were busy over, with a cheery 
“Well! how d’ye do again? Come in, my dear.” 

And Alison, really grateful, and glad of their friendly 
sympathy, plunged at once into her story. 

“Your grandmother! Well, I declare, Alison!” ex- 
claimed Mrs. Norton. “Then I guess your bread’s but- 
tered for life! Connor isn’t one not to know what he’s 
talking about, and he says the old lady’s worth a round 
million !” 

“Oh, 1 hardly think that,” said Alison, ready enough 
for the lunch Nora busied herself preparing, “and, any- 
way, she seems very careful in money matters.” 

“Never mind, though at her age ” Mrs. Norton 

ended the sentence with a significant uplifting of the brows. 

“I don’t mean to go there with any false notions or 
expectations,” declared Alison, smiling, “and, indeed, dear 
Mrs. Norton, I’m honestly sorry to be leaving you; you 
have all been very kind.” 

“Well, well, my dear, it isn’t like good-by,” said her 
landlady briskly. She was genuinely sorry herself to 
lose the pleasant company and good pay her young 
'lodger had proved, and determined not to let her go out of 
sight completely. “We’ll see you as often as you like. 
I don’t suppose your grandmother ’d mind old friends 
calling or your coming to us.” 

Alison colored quickly. “Just at first I won’t ask too 
many favors,” she made haste to say. “And, oh, dear 
Mrs. Norton, you won’t mind giving me a receipt, I am 
sure, for she is certain to ask me for it.” 

“And quite right,” returned the landlady, fumbling 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


33 


around for a scrap of paper in her capacious work-basket. 
“1 always say business is business, keeps friends and 
makes no foes.” 

And when Alison paid her week’s board in full, she 
received a scrawling bit of testimony to that effect, Mrs. 
Norton relating the while how much she had lost from 
carelessness herself in such matters. Then followed an 
hour of packing in her own room. Mrs. Gildersleeve’s 
effects were in two square boxes, which Mrs. Norton 
agreed to keep for the present, and by four o’clock all was 
ready for Alison’s first venture in life, alone, since she 
could hardly regard her acceptance of Mrs. Broderick’s 
hospitality in any other light. It was only servitude of a 
different character from what she had been seeking or 
expected, and how it would result was entirely a problem 
for the future. 

“I’m so sorry you can’t go with us to-night!” said 
Nora, who was preparing to start when Alison did. “But 
never mind. I’ll see we have another evening soon, and 
we won’t forget yon,” 

“And say good-by to the others,” Alison answered. 
“I’ll run up and see you all the first chance I get.” 

“Bo, do. Your trunk is all ready for the man. Well, 
good-by, my dear, and good luck,” 

Alison was embraced affectionately by mother and 
daughter, who remained on the door-step until she had 
turned the corner, and, so far as they were concerned, was 
for the tiipe being completely lost to view. 


3 


CHAPTER VI. 


As she retraced her steps of the morning Alison’s spirits 
rose and fell alternately as she considered the change she 
was making in every habit of life, for, in spite of much 
close companionship with Mrs. Gildersleeve, that lady 
had never restrained the girl’s liberty nor hampered her 
independence. In fact, Alison’s originality, her spice of 
daring, her quick powers of observation, had all amused 
and interested the older woman, who thoroughly enjoyed 
the results of allowing her at times what she called “full 
swing.” Innately refined, and entirely pure in every 
thought and feeling, Alison had never run any risk of mis- 
using such freedom. She knew as little of what is com- 
monly called the world as a tiny child, but in her few 
social experiences she had observed with a keenness of 
■wit and power of understanding which made her excellent 
company both during and after any little event. She 
w 7 as not yet twenty-one, but travel, combined with Mrs. 
Gildersleeve’s boundless confidence in her, had matured 
her in some ways, while in others it left her still very 
young for her years. But her brief experience in Mor- 
dick Street that morning had been all-sufiicient to show 
her that once there she w 7 ould find herself availed into a 
very narrow space indeed. The question was how to 
make the best of her surroundings, how to secure a little 
freedom and liberty, neither of which would she ever, so 
far as she knew, abuse. 

Her rat-tat on the door of No. 18 was quickly 

34 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


35 


answered by Janet Holdsworthy, who looked almost genial 
as she welcomed her. Indeed, it was only the dreariness 
of her life, the gloom of her surroundings, which had 
sapped the light-heartedness of the really kindly 
woman, and she was determined that, if Alison could 
endure to remain, she would do all that lay in her power 
to make her life tolerable, even to the extent of supple- 
menting the scanty meals she knew would be provided 
from her own purse. 

“Dear me! I’m glad to see you, my dear,” exclaimed 
Mrs. Holdsworthy, ushering Alison in, “and I’m glad Mrs. 
Broderick’s asleep, and I can just take you right up to 
your own room. You mustn’t mind its being the attic, 
love; it’s all she’d let me get ready for you, and I’m 
close by.” 

“Does she — my grandmother — sleep all alone down- 
stairs?” half whispered Alison as she followed Janet 
softly up the second staircase. 

Janet nodded. 

“Yes, she says she likes it best, but she has a bell that 
goes up to my room right by my bed, and Jacob, my 
nephew, sleeps below nights. We’re never afraid really 
since once, some time ago, the house was broke into and 
they found nothing worth carrying away. You see, she 
keeps everything down at the bank, and from that out no 
burglar ever bothered us.” 

By this time they were on the upper landing, and Janet 
threw open the door of a very large, if conspicuously bare, 
room, the main objects in which were a huge bed like 
that in her grandmother’s room, a tall, old-fashioned 
chest of drawers, a dressing-table of antique pattern 
with a swinging mirror above tiny drawers, a large table, 
and one deep horse-hair easy chair. The floor was par- 


36 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


tially covered by a square of reddish brown carpet. Three 
windows, two “dormers” and one tall, narrow one, af- 
forded a fine view of the roofs of adjoining houses against 
the deep blue of the August sky. It was by no means a 
“bower” for “maiden meditation,” nor was it more than 
merely comfortable, and yet something, whether in the air 
of being so far above the hum and bustle of the streets 
below, the spaciousness, or perhaps the quaint design of 
the room itself, pleased Alison at once. She ran over to 
the queer little dressing-table, and the mirror reflected a 
smiling face. 

“Oh, I like this room, Janet,” she exclaimed, “so 
much ! I’m glad to be up here.” 

“ Well, well, my dear, so much the better,” said the 
woman, with a sigh. “It’s cooler than you’d think for, 
and I am just across the hall, and so you needn’t be lonely.” 

She helped Alison remove her hat and gloves, made her 
sit down in the one easy chair, and was just about offering 
her some suggestions as to what she might expect when 
Mrs. Broderick’s bell sounded. 

“There!” exclaimed Janet, jumping to her feet. “You 
may as well come down with me, Miss Alison, for she’s 
sure to send for you.” 

Alison followed Janet to the second story, and stood a 
moment in the hall, while her grandmother’s faithful 
attendant went in to let the old lady know she had come 
back. She returned quickly, ushering Alison into the 
invalid’s room. 

Mrs. Broderick’s greeting was a curt nod and a “Sit 
down.” Alison obeyed, waited, and wondered. At last 
her grandmother said slowly: 

“Take your place at that table. You will find writing 
materials. Write as I dictate.” 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


37 


Alison looked for a whole and clean sheet of paper from 
the litter of odds and ends on the little table; at last one 
was found, she took up the pen, and after dating the letter 
wrote as follows: 

“Dear Sir: 

“I am anxious to know whether my tenant in the Bend 
Lane house intends to remain after October 1. Also 
whether she will expect any repairing, as this I positively 
refuse to have done except at her expense. I am surprised 
that the accounts this month are not so satisfactory as 
last, especially as I understood the year was to be a very 
good one. 

“Yours, etc., 

“Rachel Broderick . ” 

When this was completed, Alison addressed the letter to 
“Josiah Gorman, Esq., Exeford, N. Y.,” little realizing all 
that both the name and address were to mean in her future, 
Mrs. Broderick’s only explanation being to the effect that 
Gorman was her manager in the town of Exeford, where 
the famous mills were running. 


CHAPTER VII. 


Alison received a curt “Very well” from Mrs. 
Broderick as the old lady read the letter, after which, hav- 
ing stamped it, her grandmother w r atching her critically, 
she awaited further orders. But none came; nor did Mrs. 
Broderick seem inclined for conversation. Alison, decid- 
ing to keep some needle-work on hand for such entirely 
unoccupied moments, remained quietly seated until 
Janet’s step along the hall heralded her entrance with Mrs. 
Broderick’s tea-tray. 

It contained a small wineglass of jelly, a plate with 
one thin slice of ham, ditto bread and butter, and a di- 
minutive pot of tea. As Janet laid it on a lap-board before 
her mistress the old lady scrutinized the ham closely. 

“Coming to the end of that piece of ham pretty quick, 
seems to me,” she said dryly. 

“Well, I’ve cut careful as I could, ma’am,” was Mrs. 
Iloldsworthy’s mild rejoinder. 

“ Well, don’t forget we’ve another mouth to feed,” said 
the old lady sharply. “It won’t do to have much more 
waste. Where have you set her tea?” 

“Downstairs,” said Janet in an apologetic tone. “You 
didn’t speak of opening the dining-room.” 

“So you set it in the kitchen?” Mrs. Broderick 
laughed shortly. “What do you think of that, Alison?” 

“ I am very glad !” the girl exclaimed, rising to follow 
Janet. “Indeed, don’t open the dining-room just for me, 
grandmother.” 


ALISON 'S ADVENTURES. 


39 


“I’ll think about it,” was' the curt answer. “Now you 
needn’t come back here for an hour.” 

Alison accepted her dismissal like a child let out early 
from school, and hurried downstairs after Janet, who was 
profuse in explanations as to why she had set the tea out 
in. the kitchen, all of which Alison cut short by declaring* 
it suited her much the best. 

“If the dining-room is as gloomy as the parlor,” 
she said, laughing, “I’d hate to take my meals alone 
there.” 

The kitchen, in the cool of the evening, w r as really 
cheerful and pleasant. Both the wide windows and door 
into the small garden stood open. The tea-service was of 
the cheapest quality, but daintily clean, and besides the 
slice of ham and bread and butter there was some fresh let- 
tuce which Janet had invested in on her own account and 
a decidedly store-looking bun. But Alison’s appetite 
w T as young and healthy. She enjoyed the simple meal, 
Janet answering her rapid questions rather briefly, it is 
true, but only because she disliked to show the girl who 
asked them how very little she ought to expect. 

“Do you never go out, Janet?” Alison enquired, 
lingering in the door-way while the good woman washed 
the few tea things and put them away. 

“ Only to market early, miss, before Jacob leaves. Well, 
once in a very great while, perhaps, w 7 hen anyone is with 
her on a Sunday afternoon, I take a walk or maybe get to 
church.” 

“Anyone?” demanded Alison. “Who does come here?” 

Janet laughed grimly. “Not a very many, my dear,” 
she answered. “There’s Mr. Wilks, and Mr. Allan, and 
Mrs. Allan once in a while, and Mrs. Tom Parkinson, and 
old Miss Race. I’m always safe to go to church when 


40 


ALISON'S 'AD VENTURES. 


she’s here. Then if Mr. Hugh Broderick comes, I’m sure 
of a good two hours clear.” 

“Mr. Hugh Broderick?” asked Alison. “Who'is he?” 

“Oh, your grandmother’s nephew — that is, Mr. Brod- 
erick’s nephew. He’s longer than usual — ought to have 
been here last week. He’s the one,” continued Janet, 
“they do say who will get all her money.” 

“Oh, indeed! And is he young or old?” 

Janet reflected in silence for a moment. “ Well, miss, I 
should say middling,” she answered. “But there — no, of 
course he isn’t old. I meant compared to you, my dear. 
He’s not just a boy, don’t you see?” 

“And I am — just a girl!” laughed Alison. “I wonder, 
Janet, who will come first.” 

“Mrs. Parkinson,” said Mrs. Holds worthy promptly. 
“And I tell you she’ll look you through and through, and 
over and over! See if she doesn’t! My goodness but 
she’s watchful of everyone comes near your grandmother! 
It ’ll fidget her to death till she knows just all about your 
coming and everything. Still I don’t say but what she’ll 
be kind in her own way, and it’s a bright house to go to 
— if you’re let.” 

“But who is she?” Alison -was becoming decidedly 
interested, and afraid seven o’clock w 7 as near at hand. 

“A sort of a cousin of Mr. Broderick’s. I believe he 
brought her up. Then she married another kind of a 
cousin, and I know they expect something.” 

“But do all these people expect to inherit grand- 
mother’s property?” asked Alison, giving a little upward 
push to the soft hair on her brow and smiling comicalty. 

“Most of them look for something,” said Janet. She 
faced the slender, fine young figure leaning against the 
framework of the open door, with the bath of late sun- 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


41 


light falling about it, and a queer, anxious look came into 
her old eyes. 

“I’d give — oh, my dear, you don’t know what I’d give 
to see you get it! My little blossom’s child! It’s right- 
fully yours, no one else’s.” 

“Hush, hush, Janet dear!” Alison exclaimed, moving 
forward and startled by the almost fierce intensity of 
the Scotch woman’s voice and expression. “Don’t think 
of what I am sure will never happen. Grandmother told 
me herself she had made a will, but not in my favor. No; 
I shall be happier and do better for her and everybody 
if, unlike all these others, I never have such a thought 
in my mind. It must be terrible to be waiting for some- 
one to die! and still worse for anyone to know others are 
■waiting for it!” 

Alison spoke with simplest feeling, and genuine sin- 
cerity, but although her expression softened, old Janet 
held her ground. 

“But it’s you that have the rights of it!” she main- 
tained. 

“I am not a Broderick,” declared the girl lightly, “and 
that other one — Hugh, did you call him? — he is.” 

“But Broderick’s money was made out of the Fair- 
faxes’,” protested Janet, with a toss of her head. “What 
was he? Had a bit of an interest only in a mill the Fairfax 
money set going! I know,” proudly insisted the family 
servitor of two generations. 

“Never mind the old money!” exclaimed Alison. “I 
mean to forget it. Janet, what time am I to be up in the 
morning, and what shall I have to do?” 

“That’s more than I can tell you, dear. But it’s seven 
now,” as a neighboring church clock struck the hour. 
“You’d best go up and show you’re punctual.” 


42 


ALISON' 8 ADVENTURES. 


Alison ran lightly up through the softening shadows 
beginning to gather in the dingy old house. Her practi- 
cal eye showed her where and how the stair-carpeting 
might be repaired, and she decided to consult Janet on 
the subject the next day. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


Mrs. Broderick was apparently waiting for her. As 
she entered her grandmother pushed the watch she had 
been holding under her pillow, and gave her an almost 
approving nod. 

“Open those shutters wide,” said the old lady. “No 
use of a light while there’s any sent us free.” 

Alison pushed back the cumbersome shutters of both 
windows, letting in all the glow of the evening, and with 
it the hum and bustle of the street below. Standing 
there a moment, she saw the door-steps on various houses 
opposite begin to fill with the occupants of the dwellings, 
who, the working day over, were glad of a breath of fresh 
air, even though laden with the heat of the sultry after- 
noon. They looked like respectable people, for the most 
pjart; Alison could hear their voices, rising and falling in 
speech or laughter, and there was a relief in the sense 
of not being wholly shut out from sight and sound 
of her fellow-beings, as the appearance of the old Brod- 
erick dwelling would lead one to fear might well be 
the case. 

“Well,” observed her grandmother, “what do you find 
to interest you so deeply?” 

Alison turned her fair young face with a sunny smile to 
the withered, querulous one of the old lady. 

“People,” she said, coming back to her grandmother’s 
bedside. “They always interest me. I never get tired 
wondering about them.” 


43 


44 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


“Humph! .poor business. It’s my belief one-half the 
world are fools, the other half cheats.” 

“Oh, grandmother!” Alison laughed, but she was 
really shocked. “What a dreadful frame of mind to 
be in !” 

“Dreadful!” exclaimed Mrs. Broderick tartly. “Not a 
bit of it! If you knew what I’ve gone through with, 
even since I laid here on my bed ! Why, the very man 
supposed to be working in my best interest, that Gorman 
you wrote to, I don’t doubt he’s cheating me out of my 
e}^es all the time!” 

“But,” persisted Alison softly, and sitting down again, 
“that does not mean everyone would be the same, and, 
besides, why don’t you look into his conduct?” 

The old lady smiled grimly. 

“I keep as light a rein as I can, but one ought to be on 
the spot, behind the scenes — in fact, play detective — to 
really make out what such a clever rogue is up to.” 

Alison was silent for a moment; then she said with a 
very serious expression : 

“And have you no one really interested enough in you, 
in your rights, to take care of all such matters?” 

Mrs. Broderick lay back on her pillows with closed 
eyelids for a moment. Then she opened them, to bend the 
full force of her still brilliant dark eyes upon the girl 
before her. 

“You ask a puzzling question, child; one I am just 
now asking myself over and over again. As I told you, 
my experience has made me thoroughly sceptical. Your 
grandfather, George Fairfax, was a man who would have 
ruined himself if he had been allowed through faith in 
others; Tom Broderick was different, but he made too 
many friends and cared too much for politics. Among 


ALISON 'S ADVENTURES. 


45 


them all — the Broderick tribe, I mean — I only in any way 
trust or believe in one of them, and he seems bent on 
opposing every plan or idea I suggest.” 

“Yet,” urged Alison, exceedingly anxious to hear more, 
“you say, you — trust him?” 

“No, I didn’t!” snapped the old lady. “I meant I 
partially trust him. He is the nephew of my second 
husband; you will see him one of these days, I expect, if 
you remain. I try to think him true. Indeed he must 
be, for he seems not to care for his own interest.” 

“Does he live here?” inquired Alison. 

“Who? Hugh Broderick. Yes; that is, his home w r as 
in New York, but he spends a great part of his time in 
Exeford. He,” she laughed shortly, “works in my factory 
there.” 

“Indeed!” exclaimed Alison, “just an ordinary work- 
man.” 

“Oh, no!” rejoined her grandmother, still chuckling, 
much diverted apparently by the idea; “Hugh could 
never do any thing ordinary if he tried. It is true he is 
what you would, or they would, call a ‘hand,’ but he has a 
sort of workshop of his own, I believe.” 

“And cannot he attend to your interests, then, grand- 
mother?” enquired the girl, more interested yet by the 
idea of this possible heir to the Broderick property work- 
ing like a hand in the Exeford Mills. 

“I told you,” retorted Mrs. Broderick, “he always 
thwarts and opposes me. By the way, he ought to be 
here very soon. It is a month since the last visit.” 

Alison would have liked to enquire something further 
about this, apparently, very independent and disinterested 
person, yet a sort of instinct told her that Mrs. Broderick 
was not one to like being questioned, after she had of her- 


46 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


self dropped a subject, so she remained silent until her 
grandmother said suddenly : 

“I’m going to try you at the marketing. I know Janet 
Holdsworthy lets them cheat her. It isn’t too late yet, 
and I’ve an idea you’ll get meats cheaper buying them at 
night.” 

“I would like to try,” said Alison. “But please tell me 
just what to do.” 

“No I won’t,” retorted the old lady. “Because then 
you might as well be a Chinese for all the good your 
brains would be to me. But I’ll tell you what not to do. 
That is, not pay one penny more than you can possibly 
get out of. You have to bargain over everything in this 
neighborhood.” 

The prospect was certainly not attractive, but Alison 
felt it would be a decided relief to be allowed out on 
errands of the kind, and made haste to say she would do 
her very best, whereupon Mrs. Broderick sent her for 
Janet Holdsworthy, and a discussion ensued which en- 
lightened the young girl, more than anything which had 
gone before, upon her grandmother’s avaricious tenden- 
cies. As she listened and observed the shrewd, keen look 
gather force on the withered old face, Alison could not 
but feel genuine compassion for one whose whole heart, 
it seemed, was concentrated upon nothing but saving and 
getting; and this, when the span of life was so nearly 
over, when youth and all its hopes and joys, its profits, 
pleasures, or allurements were absolutely gone, and the 
only real future that in which she would have to give her 
Creator full account of her earthly stewardship! 

Janet, apparently, understood her mistress well. She 
was respectful, but held her ground when the old lady 
maintained it was only weak-mindedness on her part 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


47 


to allow Mr. Crebbs, the butcher, to charge eighteen cents 
for steak, and Porson, the grocer, twenty-five for butter, 
etc., etc. The result was as usual: Mrs. Broderick, de- 
claring among them all she would, be eaten out of 
house and home, was compelled to give in to Janet, w r ho 
declared that she or Miss Alison might as well not bother 
about the marketing at all, if lower prices were expected. 
Thoroughly exhausted by the discussion, Mrs. Broderick 
at last handed Alison tv 7 o dollars, and instructed Janet, 
to make out a list of “necessaries” and direct her to the 
usual shops, after which our heroine flew to put on 
her hat and gloves to join Janet downstairs, when she 
indulged in a girlish fit of laughter over the duty she was 
about to perform. 

“And I’ll just tell you this, my dear,” was Janet’s 
parting injunction, “don’t you fash yourself trying to 
haggle in the shops one bit, for they’ve all a fixed price, 
and they just laugh at our wee bit kind of buying, any 
way ! Eh ! but it’s hard to see her fists so tight, and she, 
as you may say, just staring her Maker in the face! 
What good ’ll it be doing her there, I’m asking!” 

And the good Scotchwoman, who, but for her associa- 
tion with Mrs. Broderick, might have developed some 
parsimonious ways herself, shook her head solemnly. 

Alison took the nice little covered basket from Janet’s 
hands and went out into the summer evening, quite amused 
and elated by what she had to do, and deciding by all 
means to take Janet’s advice and attempt no haggling 
over standard prices; but having frequently marketed 
for Mrs. Gildersleeve the last month of her illness, she 
had learned how to pick up nice and cheap pieces at 
the butchers’ and hoped to find Mr. Crebbs as obliging 
as the Benton Place butcher, with whom she had had 


48 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


most friendly dealings. He proved all smiles and good 
nature to an evidently new customer, and Alison chose 
from odds and ends on his counter ideces enough to make 
an excellent stew, for less than twenty cents, and when 
some breakfast bacon was added, for ten cents more, she 
felt quite triumphant, smiling demurely when stout Mr. 
Crebbs “hoped she’d give him her custom.” 

“What a pretty creature!” was his wife’s exclamation, 
as Alison’s tall, upright young figure, in the trim gray 
linen gown and dainty little sailor hat, disappeared. “It 
makes you feel cool and nice to look at her!” and husband 
and wife spent some time , wondering who the young 
stranger might be. 

The neighborhood abounded in shops, in streets run- 
ning at odd angles from Mrs. Broderick’s corner, but the 
buildings were all old-fashioned like those in Mordick 
Street, and even where most crowded seemed to be 
respectably occupied. Alison had concluded her pur- 
chases at the grocer’s, and was hurrying home, the dark 
being deeper every instant, when her attention was 
attracted to a young girl just ahead of her, who was carry- 
ing a large bundle under her arm, and seemed about to 
stagger and fall forward. Alison did not lose an instant 
in going to her side, thankful she had done so, as the girl 
turned a face so deathly white and appealing in expression 
upon her that Alison at once half led, half carried, her into* 
an open door-way evidently leading to the poor young 
creature’s home. 

Not a word passed until the stranger was seated on 
the foot of the narrow staircase of the tenement house; 
then Alison bent over her, saying anxiously : 

“Are you ill? What, can I do for you?” 

The girl raised her deep, heavily fringed blue eyes to* 



A.LISON AS THE GOOD SAMARITAN. 


















































































ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


49 


her new friend’s face. They told a story of want, if 
not of actual physical suffering. 

“Yes,” she murmured faintly. “I have been ill several 
days, but I had to go for my work.” 

“What can I do for you?” urged Alison, glancing 
around the deserted-looking hall. “ Where is your 
room?” 

“Third, back,” was the answer, then, very pitifully; 
“If you could help me up and get me a drink of water, 
I’d be so much obliged, I am — so — faint.” 

“Can you wait one moment?” exclaimed Alison. 
“There is a druggist on the corner, I will get something 
to revive you.” 

And leaving her basket in the stranger’s keeping, 
Alison darted around the corner and quickly made her 
errand known. 

The druggist had been speaking to someone behind his 
prescription desk, and returned after listening to Alison’s 
request, saying to the unseen person: 

“This young girl says someone is fainting in the door- 
way of 104.” 

“One hundred and four Charlier Street!” was the quick 
answer. “Who is it?” 

The druggist made some inaudible reply; came out to 
give Alison a reviving dose and receive her ten cents in 
payment, but the stranger followed the young girl to the 
door, and as she hastened back to her new friend, he 
bade the druggist a brief good-evening, adding, “May as 
well see for myself who is living — or dying — there,” and 
followed her footsteps at a certain distance, entirely 
unobserved of course by Alison herself. 


4 


CHAPTER IX. 


The girl remained just as Alison had left her, and our 
heroine, feeling a throb of shame as she remembered a 
fear for the safety of her precious basket, bent all her 
energies now to inducing the stranger to swallow the 
ammonia and water, then to allow her to carry the bundle 
and support her up the stairs. On the third landing 
Alison’s charge directed her now to open the door of a 
small, nearly bare, wholly cheerless room; but enough of 
evening light still lingered to see by, while she removed 
the poor young creature’s hat, and helped her into the 
narrow comfortless bed. 

“She needs food,” was Alison’s reflection, followed 
quickly by the thought that on this, her first errand for 
Mrs. Broderick, it would not do to be late. Aloud, she 
said cheerfully: “I’d like to see you eat something. Is 
there — have you anyone with you?” 

Alison instantly regretted her words. The girl turned 
her face to the Avail, great tears rolled down her wasted 
cheeks, and covering her face with her hands she sobbed 
unrestrainedly. 

Alison’s heart beat with swift strokes of the deepest 
compassion. There was more than physical suffering 
here, but what could she do? Never mind! Even at the 
risk of a scolding from her grandmother, she would not, 
could not leave the stranger in such a pitiable condition, 
and without a word, she slipped out, down into the street, 
to a delicatessen shop she had noticed, where one of 
her own few coins was quickly exchanged for cold meat, 

50 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


51 


rolls, butter, and some jelly; with these, she made haste to 
return, and whether from her air of authority, her gentle 
insistence, or from the poor girl’s really starving condition, 
it mattered not, but Alison had the satisfaction of seeing 
her eat what she had brought with the greatest relish. 

“And now,” said Alison, very cheerfully, “I must be 
going, or my grandmother will be vexed. But first, won’t 
you tell me your name, and let me come to see you to- 
morrow?” 

The stranger sketched briefly her position. Her 
mother had been dead just four weeks. She was alone 
(alas! thought Alison) in New York. After paying her 
rent nothing remained. Her name was Hilda Benton. 

“Don’t fear I will not be back, my dear,” said Alison, 
preparing to depart. “See, this is very little, all I can 
leave with you to-night she tucked a silver quarter under 
the paper covering of the table. “Please don’t refuse it! 
I will surely come in the morning.” 

Making her adieux as brief as possible, Alison hastened 
back to Mordick Street, wondering what she ought to 
do in regard to telling Mrs. Broderick of her adventure. 
She was satisfied her grandmother would disapprove of 
anything involving charity, “Yet what could I have 
done else, in common humanity?” thought Alison. “The 
girl must surely have fainted from actual starvation! 
And think of all the Broderick property! I am afraid if I 
see many more such sights,” concluded Alison, with a little 
smile all to herself, “I’ll be as bad as the rest of them — 
hoping grandmother will leave me some of her fortune.” 

A final conclusion to tell Janet the story and ask her 
advice brought her to the basement door of No. 18 when, 
without an unnecessary word, Mrs. Iloldswortliy sent her, 
basket and all, up to her grandmother’s room. 


52 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


Mrs. Broderick was inclined to receive Alison very 
crossly, but the latter made haste to display her bar- 
gain from Mr. Crebbs and good humor was restored, on 
how petty, how mean a basis, the girl could not help 
reflecting. 

“I see you have a little sense,” was the old lady’s way 
of expressing her satisfaction. “Now take that book.” 
A well-worn account book was indicated. “And enter 
everything. You have given me the right change? Four 
cents. Well, add it up — that tells.” 

Alison very quickly and accurately made up the 
accounts. The sum total was correct and Mrs. Broderick 
put away the four cents, apparently satisfied. 

“Do as you like to-morrow morning,” she said, in bid- 
ding Alison good-night; “so long as you are on hand 
by eleven o’clock.” 

Alison hastened downstairs, eager to consult Janet about 
the stranger she had succored, but her enthusiasm was 
dashed by the very solemn way in which Mrs. Holds- 
worthy listened and evidently disapproved. 

“Oh, my dear,” she said gravely, “such doings will 
never suit her, I’m telling you! No, no; your grand- 
mother’d never hold with anything like that!” 

“But Janet, dear Janet,” pleaded Alison almost tear- 
fully, “I cannot desert the poor creature like this! I 
have some money of my own, some clothes even, and-^ 
and, I am not,” declared the girl, a light springing into 
her eyes — “I am not going to be turned into a mere 
machine or a miser or anything of the kind for anybody.” 

Janet’s plain, dark face softened visibly as she looked 
at the girl before her. 

“Eh ! but you’re more and more like her! my poor little 
lamb ! Every minute !” said the old woman sadly. 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


53 


“Then, Janet, try to think of me as if I were my mother. 
Remember, I am her only child, and help me, even in this 
gloomy old place, to do some good.” 

But Janet was still unwilling to commend Alison’s 
charitable zeal, and the most she could be brought to say 
was that she saw no harm, for “this once,” in Alison’s 
going in the morning to see Hilda and perhaps doing “a 
little for her,” but after that she begged of the young girl 
to “let such like alone.” 

Alison was in her own room by nine o’clock, and for an 
hour sat in one of the deep, old-fashioned windows, gaz~ 
ing out upon the darkling street where people still came 
and went, and lingered on their doorsteps, loath to exchange 
the cool starlight for heated rooms within. How much 
seemed to have happened since the night before! How 
suddenly her whole life had changed ! And with the easy 
adaptability of youth, and an elastic temperament, Alison 
felt as though she was already initiated into the ways 
and methods of this new, and entirely novel, kind of exist- 
ence. That it would prove a bondage in many ways she 
felt distinctly certain, and yet she resolved, if possible, to 
combat any of the mean influences at work, lest they 
should taint her own nature. Her very prayers, before she 
slept that night, included an humble petition that she be 
not injured by it all; but Alison was too entirely unversed 
in worldly wisdom or judgment to know how deteriorating 
could be even the social side of her new associations; 
indeed she fell asleep wondering how soon Mrs. Tom 
Parkinson, and “the rest of them,” would call at 
Mordick Street; above all, how soon that apparently 
contumacious young man, Hugh Broderick, would put in 
an appearance. 


CHAPTER X. 


Our heroine was up early the next morning and 
swallowed her breakfast of bread, oatmeal, and coffee, in 
great haste, so anxious was she to be again in Charlier 
Street and see how matters fared with Hilda. Janet 
knew the building — in fact, it belonged to the Broderick 
estate — and was satisfied if its occupants were of the very 
humblest they were respectable, and no harm could come 
of Alison’s going there “this once.” 

“But mind me, my dear,” pleaded Mrs. Holdsworthy; 
“don’t get in for doing any more. Your grandmother 
would rise up out of her bed if she knew it!” 

Alison departed, much disconcerted by Janet’s warning, 
for she was too honorable not to feel aware that in secretly 
acting in a manner she knew her grandmother would dis- 
approve she would be doing wrong while under her roof 
and living on her bounty; and her spirit of independence, 
rather too great for a girl of her years, if the truth were 
known, asserted itself and made her regard what had 
seemed but yesterday good fortune, as an irksome bondage. 

It was pleasant, however, to find such a bright welcome 
from Hilda, who, still pale and languid, was trying to work, 
and had made her little room as neat and cheerful as pos- 
sible, in expectation of her unknown friend. Seen by day- 
light, the young girl looked to be about twenty-three, and 
would have been attractive in appearance, Alison decided, 
if she had been in good health. Her eyes were very lovely, 
her profuse hair the sort of blond seen generally only in 

54 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


55 


children; the features delicate, mobile, refined. Indeed 
there was something more than commonly interesting about 
her, as well as a tinge of something foreign both in look 
and accent, the latter barely perceptible and puzzling to 
Alison until Hilda explained that she had spent the years 
of her childhood in Germany, with relatives of her father; 
at his death two years ago, she had begun a hard struggle 
under which her mother at last succumbed, leaving the 
poor girl almost destitute and wholly alone. 

“For you see,” said Hilda, whose cheeks had flushed 
while she was speaking, “mother and I never cared to 
make many friends; where we had to live the people were 
mostly rough and common, so we kept always to our- 
selves, and now she is gone I have no one.” 

“Oh, I am so sorry,” exclaimed Alison, deeply in sym- 
pathy. “But, Hilda, are you making gloves?” 

“I learned my trade, badly enough, when mother was 
ill,” said the young girl, with a sigh. “But a lady in the 
shop where I get work has told me if I could get away to 
one of the towns where they have large factories, I might 
do well. She spoke of a place called Exeford.” 

“Exeford!” exclaimed Alison, but in the same breath 
she hesitated. How could she hope to interest Mrs. 
Broderick in her new friend? Still she would not give up 
an effort, and added cheerfully: 

“1 know something about Exeford, and will find out 
more to-day. Now I must hurry back, and, Hilda, it’s 
nothing much to offer you, but please take this.” Alison 
laid a one-dollar bill on the table. “And promise me you 
will get some food. I will certainly see you soon again.” 

Tears sprang into Hilda’s eyes. For an instant she 
could not speak, but she contrived to make Alison under- 
stand her gratitude, and the latter went away determined, 


56 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


now that she knew Hilda’s trade, to do something which 
might really he of service to the girl, although just how 
to set about it was hard to tell. 

An hour of liberty remained, and Alison made use of 
it by calling at Mrs. Norton’s and giving as encouraging 
an account as she could of her grandmother’s. household, 
but refraining from, as yet, extending any invitation. 
When she mentioned Mrs. Parkinson, Mrs. Norton be- 
came quite animated. If it was the same, she was sure 
Alison would find her very nice. “ So lively and sociable,” 
was Mrs. Norton’s way of describing her. “She had our 
parlor here once,” Mrs. Norton concluded; “and she was 
just the life of the house.” 

Alison came away not quite knowing whether Mrs. 
Norton’s description sounded hopeful or not, since, kind- 
hearted as she was, that lady’s idea of sociability and 
liveliness was something rather too boisterous to be 
always agreeable, and our heroine could not help wonder- 
ing, also, how such characteristics were tolerated in No. 18 
Mordick Street! However, as it would seem that her sole 
hope of companionship, just at present, rested in the 
Broderick connection, there was nothing to do but hope 
and expect the best. 

She laid aside her hat and gloves as soon as she went 
in, and as eleven o’clock was sounding made her way to 
her grandmother’s room. 

The sharp voice, already familiar, bade her “Come in,” 
and directly Alison opened the door, she saw that Mrs. 
Broderick was not alone. 

A gentleman, a man perhaps thirty years of age, with a 
rather thin dark face, well dressed, but not foppish, and 
having an expression half humorous, half cynical in its 
intent, was seated in the deep easy chair by the window. 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


57 


lie was leaning slightly forward, apparently in the midst 
of a discussion with the old lady, and by a quick contrac- 
tion of his brows showed annoyance at the interruption. 
But as Alison stood perfectly still after one single glance 
in his direction, Mrs. Broderick’s sharp Amice sounded: 

“Come in, Alison! Don’t stand over there! Hugh,” 
to the visitor, who had risen and was looking critically 
at Alison’s slim upright figure, and half averted face, 
“this is my granddaughter, Alison Fane — my nephew 
Hugh Broderick, Alison. I told you,” concluded the old 
lady leaning back again, “he would be here soon, and 
come to quarrel, as usual!” 


CHAPTER XI. 


Hugh Broderick stood still for a moment, even after 
he had slowly released the cool little fingers Alison had 
placed in his outstretched palm; for his surprise, he called 
it, was baffling, almost disconcerting to him. He was in 
something of the same frame of mind, perhaps, as Ferdi- 
nand on the Enchanted Isle, when he met Miranda; onty 
here was a very decidedly nineteenth century room, totally 
unromantic in its elements, and the pair of soft dark- 
fringed gray eyes, looking straight into his brown ones, 
were those of a purely desh-and-blood young creature, 
who had a provoking sort of dimple in her cheek, a dainty 
little charm giving a hint of what the smile, the soft 
laughter of the girl would be. So far in his life, at least 
for the past eight years, he had given little heed to the 
other sex, except in their capacity as glove-makers and 
bread-winners, whose rights and wrongs he attended to in 
a partly philanthropic but purely businesslike fashion. 
He would never have been what he was, had there not 
been a time when softer sentiments were possible, but all 
that was so long ago that the queer thrill which tingled 
in the man’s veins as he held this girl’s soft fingers for 
an instant in his hand, and gazed down into the fine, 
intensely pure, if spirited young face, annoyed as w^ell as 
perplexed him. 

Well, here was a chance perhaps for a bit of the char- 
acter study he enjoyed. 

Mrs. Broderick’s sharp voice broke the significant 

58 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


59 

silence. “Well, have you two met before, that you have 
nothing new to say?” 

Alison colored swiftly and drew back, while Broderick 
said, with his shrewd smile: 

“ We were almost at a decision. I-^well, yes — I think 
somewhere, Miss Alison, we have met.” 

The girl laughed gently. “Yes, perhaps”— she had 
seated herself near the old desk and rested her cheek on her 
hand, quite unconcernedly looking at the visitor. “Isn’t 
it a German theory, that of pre-existence?” 

“Pre-fiddlesticks!” exclaimed Mrs. Broderick. “If you 
and Hugh Broderick are going to talk nonsense of that 
kind, please ring for Janet to take me away. 1 never 
could see how people couldn’t content themselves with 
what was before their eyes without wondering and bother- 
ing about ‘the might be.’ ” 

Broderick thought the present satisfactory enough, 
but only smiled again, and presently the old lady re- 
newed the subject they had been discussing when Alison 
entered. 

“I don’t like the way things are going on at all,” said 
the old lady. “ Whether Gorman’s at fault or some of his 
people, there’s an air of, well ” 

Broderick’s keen face darkened. He rose and walked 
over to the mantel, where he stood looking intently, 
anxiously upon the withered but eager old face and figure 
in the great arm-chair. 

“There’s an air of grasping, of pushing work and work- 
men,” he said quickly, “which no one understands better 
than I do! One thing which brought me to New York 
was to investigate some of the new-fangled appliances 
Gorman is using, and also to consult a friend, up in such 
things, about my own work.” 


60 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES 


“Your own? Oil!” Mrs. Broderick’s lips curled. 
“That precious invention of yours, I suppose!” 

The young man humored her with his smile. 

“Exactly. How do you know, Aunt Rachel, but that 
some day I may set up an opposition factory, and drive 
Gorman’s out of the field!” 

“Humph! I don’t doubt you’d do it, just to show 
your power! that is, if you could.” 

“Precisely ; we all like power. Possibly I am fonder 
of it than most people. However I’ll do fairly by you, 
and not even be too hard on Gorman.” 

“Oh, Gorman! Precious little I care for him! I’m 
going to have the whole affair carefully examined. I’d 
have you do it,” snapped the old lady, “only you’d 
blunder.” 

“Blunder?” 

“Yes, you’d do some headstrong thing or other, that 
would spoil everything — knock someone down on sus- 
picion.” 

“Oh, no!” said Broderick quietly, but with a look in his 
eyes which made Alison think that to see him angry would 
not be pleasant, and to have his anger directed at one would 
be decidedly uncomfortable. “I’d prove my doubt, and 
then knock them down, very effectually.” 

Mrs. Broderick watched her visitor an instant, in 
silence. 

“The Parkinson tribe one and all will pay their respects 
very soon,” she said at last. It afforded the old lady 
unmixed delight to discuss affairs, both business and 
personal, with her husband’s nephew. Independent, 
aggressive, as he undoubtedly was, his opinions were 
always fearless, and generally so perfectly unbiassed as to 
be both valuable and amusing. 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


61 


“They still hunt in couples, then?” he observed, leaning 
forward, toying with a paper cutter, his hands between 
his knees, his handsome, critical eyes lifted to the old 
lady’s. 

She nodded and smiled grimly. “Exactly! It will 
make them wild to find her,” — indicating Alison — “estab- 
lished here !” 

Broderick still continued to balance the paper knife, but 
just turned his eyes with a new light, a gleam of fun in 
them, upon Alison, who felt that quick sense of response. 

“Be easy on then all, Miss Alison,” he advised. 

“You can let Donald Fane’s daughter alone for that!” 
said Mrs. Broderick. “But she’ll see very little of them, 
I mean to send her down to New Jersey on an errand. 
They never stay long, that’s one good thing. Whether 
they are afraid of being starved, or quarrelling among 
themselves, I can’t tell, but something takes them away.” 

“Will the Leighs come?” Broderick enquired in an 
altered voice. 

The old lady’s glance softened. 

“I — I’d almost ask them,” she said gently. Presently, 
she added: 

“Jack doing anything?” 

“Oh! Well, yes; a little,” said Broderick. “He isn’t 
looking well — fagged, I thought, the other day; but he is 
talking of renovating part of the old house, and sending on 
some curious bits of carving to the World’s Fair.” 

Mrs. Broderick was silent for an instant. Evidently 
the questions and answers were important, and Alison 
found herself curious to understand all they implied, and 
at the same time felt convinced she would be enlightened, 
doubtless by Hugh Broderick, if not by her grandmother 
herself. 


62 


ALISON* 8 ADVENTURES. 


“Then he can’t be losing money,” the old lady said 
presently, “and I suppose that silly wife of his is fond 
of spending, as usual.” 

Broderick only nodded. “She is good-hearted,” he 
said, after a moment’s reflection. “If her way of giving 
charity was a trifle more well balanced, she would be a 
God-send in lower Exeford.” 

“Balanced!” Mrs. Broderick’s eyes flashed. “Did you 
ever hear of a Martinville with any balance?” 

“Yes, old Toby,” said Hugh promptly; “in so far as 
letting his right hand at once into the occupations of his 
left. That’s harmony any way, isn’t it?” 

“Hugh!” said Mrs. Broderick, with a short laugh, 
“what made you take to glove-making, is more than I can 
account for.” 

He smiled. “It’s a means to an end,” Broderick 
returned, with a half shrug of his shoulders. 

“There!” exclaimed his hostess sharply; “you say it 
all — what everything is with you, I verily believe! Even 
your coming here, your — well, putting up with my 
crochety ways, my suspiciousness, it’s all just one and 
the same thing.” 

The man’s dark face changed color, and a look 
of infinite compassion, if not tenderness, came into 
his eyes. 

“Have you ever found me — well, self-seeking — Aunt 
Rachel, in coming to see you?” he asked gravely. 

Her thin, colorless lips quivered. 

“No,” she said shortly. “No, 1 haven’t; there!” 

“All ends, as you call them,” he continued, speaking 
more rapidly and apparently forgetting even Alison’s 
presence, “are not of necessity selfish. How often have I 
urged you to let me make you more comfortable ; to see 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


C3 


yon in a different way of living; you — some day this sort 
of thing,” he glanced contemptuously about him, ‘‘will 
wear your body out as it ” 

She interrupted him. 

“As it has my heart? Eh, Hugh?” 

He scarcely hesitated, and yet there was a brief silence. 

“Very nearly,” he said gravely. Mrs. Broderick 
evidently roused herself to speak in a tone of composure. 

“It is nearly over,” she said slowly. “A long journey, 
the foot of the hill is nearly reached ! I have your 
hand, my dear, thank God, at the last — haven’t I, 
Hugh?” 

He started forward and took the trembling fingers 
with their flashing jewels in his own strong young 
grasp. 

“Aunt Rachel!” he exclaimed brightly, “this is a poor 
way for me to let you talk of yourself! Why, there are 
years of life and activity in you yet, and, if you’d even 
try a journey up to Exeford yourself, it would do you 
worlds of good, you’d be received ” 

The flush of pleasure his words had brought to her 
withered cheek, the soft look in her dim eyes, gave way 
again to the chill expression w r hich seemed her most 
natural one. 

“I’d be received,” she said, “in a fawning way by old 
Gorman, and by the toilers in the mills — how, Hugh, if 
they knew I was really their owner?” 

His eyes did not waver in their intense look upon her 
face with its chilling exterior. “You would see their 
needs, realize what your money could do for them.” 

“No,” she said slowly, almost dreamily. “I leave that, 

I am leaving it, to those who, perhaps, can and will do 
that for me.” 


G4 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


There was another one of those deeply significant 
silences, and Alison felt herself drawn more and more into 
the spirit of the subject under discussion. Exeford with 
its great mills, throbbing arteries of life and activity, its 
rush and bustle, eager ebb and flow, its constant push for 
power, for gain, seemed near and real as a living pres- 
ence; and the grave composed profile she was watching, as 
Broderick gazed ahead of him, was like some central 
dominating power, although, as w r ell she knew, he was 
only her grandmother’s foreman, not even agent; yet the 
idea of servitude in an ignoble sense was so far removed 
from anything this man suggested that she could fancy 
him giving power and character, individuality and new 
meaning, to the poorest, humblest avocation. Somehow 
the thought of him in the midst of wonders, in the me- 
chanical world — guiding, directing, inventing — seemed fit- 
ting. He might smile in that lazy, humorous fashion, his 
eyes might hold their gleam of fun and satire, his voice 
that soft caressing accent; yet what was the deeper mean- 
ing of his nature? That first clasp of his hand, firm, yet 
gentle, had expressed it. 

Hugh Broderick stood up suddenly. “I have to be off, 
Aunt Rachel,” he said, rousing himself from a fit of 
abstraction; he, too, had been subjecting certain influences 
to analysis. “I will be back in an hour or two.” He 
glanced at Alison. “By the way, Miss Fane, haven’t you 
an hour or two to spare? I’d like,” he continued, glanc- 
ing at Mrs. Broderick, “to take her out for a sail some- 
where. There are boats going everywhere just now, are 
there not?” 

Alison’s eyes sparkled. 

Mrs. Broderick laughed almost aloud. 

“I declare, Hugh,” she exclaimed, “you are your father 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


65 


all over again ! He was always ready for a holiday as he 
called it!” 

“I’ve earned it lately,” he observed. 

Mrs. Broderick nodded her head. 

“Well, child,” she said, looking keenly at Alison, “go, 
if you wish to. You needn’t be afraid of Hugh Broderick, 
he will take excellent care of you.” 


5 


CHAPTER XII. 


Alison needed no second bidding. The prospect of a 
trip somewhere with Broderick was especially delightful, 
since it would afford her a chance to discuss Exeford 
with a person who, of course, knew it thoroughly, and 
Alison had a scheme already unfolding itself in her brain. 
Janet’s advice might be, and was no doubt valuable on some 
points. On this no one, she felt sure, could guide her 
better than Mr. Broderick. In any case no harm could 
come of confiding in him. 

It was a pleasure to fly to Janet with her good news; to 
have that old lady’s assistance, advice, and commendation, 
in the matter of her toilet; her complete approval of the 
cool, fresh looking black-and-white muslin, the lace scarf 
and hat with its trimming of lace, blue-bells, and daisies; 
altogether as pretty, becoming, and tasteful a costume as 
any girl of fashion might have desired, probably costing 
about the price of such a one’s last caprice in boots or 
parasol! Whether or not Broderick was a man who 
understood details in such matters, the whole effect it was 
clearly to be seen pleased him ; the grave dark eyes lighted 
quickly as Alison reappeared, and swept her girlish figure 
with an inclusive glance; and if it rested a moment 
longer on the fair young face, small wonder — since such 
sights formed little part of the man’s dull, daily life. 
“Now then,” Broderick exclaimed, when they were at last 
outside the door, a sense of release, almost of escape, affect- 
ing Alison, and stimulating her at once; “if you will put 
yourself in my hands, Miss Fane, I fancy I can give you 

66 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


67 


a pleasant morning. Let me see! Yes, we will take a 
downtown boat.” 

It was all novel, all interesting to Alison; the hour was 
one not over crowded, and very soon she found herself 
most comfortably ensconced on the deck of the White 
Wings , a large steamboat plying up and down between the 
great crowded city and the beach, where Broderick said 
they could roam about, see the various sights, dine, and 
come back pleasantly in the cool of the evening. 

“And I shall only ask one thing for myself,” he said, 
looking down half quizzically at her. “I want you to tell 
me how and what you are doing at Mordick Street; better 
still, what you intend to do?” 

Alison’s whole expression altered from its look of 
serene contentment so swiftly that Broderick added 
hastily : 

“ No, not a word now ! Wait, let us just enjoy the sail ! 
Later on I’ll find a nice spot on the beach where I can 
listen and you can tell me everything.” 

“But now, at once,” said Alison eagerly, “you can give 
me some idea of what Exeford is like.” 

lie looked at her in surprise. “Do you contemplate 
visiting us?” he asked, smiling. 

“I — perhaps, how can I tell? There! Come, Mr. 
Broderick, why should I hesitate to tell yon the main 
reason I at first,” she hesitated, flushed, but hurried on, 
“wanted a good tete-d-tete with you? 1 intend to— make 
gloves!” 

He looked at her with incredulity; then seeing the grave 
composure of her expression, put back his head and laughed 
quietly. 

“You !” he said at last, scrutinizing the fair young face 
curiously. “What ever suggested it?” 


68 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


“A friend; well, someone I am interested in,” returned 
Alison promptly. She related what she knew of Hilda 
Benton; her history so far as the young woman had given 
its facts to her. Broderick listened with deep attention. 

“So!” he exclaimed at last, the familiar German excla- 
mation sounding natural enough to Alison. “If she is at 
all experienced in these foreign methods she might easily 
obtain work, for in fact hands of that kind are always 
sought for. But for yourself, do you know how hard it 
would be to learn even the rudiments of the trade, and 
what your pay would be?” 

“I know, or at least,” said the girl, “I have thought 
of all that. Still, it would be only servitude of another 
kind,” she added in a lower tone, and gazing away from 
him out on to the water, “and decidedly more elevating.” 

Broderick had now the key to the difficulty. It was by 
no means improbable that the life of this young girl, 
in such a house as the one they had just quitted, with 
such a one as Mrs. Broderick for its mistress, could be far 
more slavish, irksome, dependent, than that of the hum- 
blest bread-winner in all Exeford, and while the scheme 
still impressed him as entirely impractical, he could not 
help admiring the independence and resolution which had 
suggested it to her mind. But could she not do some- 
thing better fitted to her activity of heart and brain? 

“I know you of course too little, yet, to advise,” he 
said finally, not releasing her from that quiet scrutiny, but 
with a softer look in his eyes. “But, no, I will not say 
anything, except that unless you have your grandmother’s 
sanction, her approval, I will attempt nothing. With that, 
I will do all in my power to aid your strange impulse.” 

She looked up gratefully at him, and said quickly: 

“What is there strange in my wishing to do what 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


69 


dozens of other girls and women are doing? It speaks 
anything but well for your mills.” 

His brows contracted. “For Heaven’s sake,” he 
exclaimed, “don’t call them mine! And I don’t wish, 
don’t mean to speak well of them! If I thought,” he 
added quickly, and turning upon her something of the 
same look which had flashed into his eyes when her grand- 
mother was speaking of business affairs, “your going there 
as a worker would solve some of the problems I’m tor- 
mented with, I’d bid you God speed as on a holy enter- 
prise; but, no — at least, wait!” 

The word, the look, was imperative, and Alison was 
forced to be content. But there was too much that was 
pleasurable in her position, their surroundings, to care for 
much else, and presently she and Broderick were talking 
like old friends, and after an all too short sail, there was the 
ride in the car, and at last a delightful walk on the beach, 
where he made her very comfortable with rugs and huge 
umbrellas, hired from one of the innumerable vendors of 
the same who plied a variety of trades from candy-selling 
to instantaneous photography. 

The day was delightful, the spot sufficiently secluded, 
the very sense of numbers in the figures moving to and fro, 
or grouped on the sands, gave to our friends a sense of 
seclusion which encouraged confidences, and Broderick 
was almost startled, later, to find how much of what was 
the present purpose, the ambition of his life, he had laid 
before this almost stranger, this young unversed girl. 
But her very eyes, her closed sweet lips, compelled him; 
her look was all interest, comprehension, everything 
expressed what Alison felt, and, to her own perplexity, 
intense sympathy, interest, comprehension. 

“No,” he said once, in answer to a question she put, “I 


70 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


will admit I am not altogether happy in the life I am 
leading. Don’t mistake me! There is something much 
more to be gotten out of life, and perhaps I may have a 
share of it, some day, but meanwhile the mill offers me 
my best chance. I am working out what may prove a suc- 
cessful invention ; in any case I can test, and prove, my 
powers — and the contact with my fellow -man, and work- 
ing companions, has so far not narrowed me, at least rather 
given me a smaller opinion of myself, a wider one of 
humanity at large.” 

“But,” urged Alison, glancing at his well-built alert 
figure, his keen eyes, and grave strong face. “How will 
it be if success does come? You may find you have 
stunted yourself beyond growing powers.” 

He gazed down into the soft girlish face of the speaker 
eagerly, yet in fresh surprise. Where had this girl come 
by her wisdom? 

“You are right, I think of that often,” he said, in a 
moment. “And yet the very fact of working among so 
many other lives, keeps me free from that kind of dross. 
However,” his sombre eyes lighted, “ I will not forget your 
counsels. Believe me, in my world I have need of some 
such clear-seeing mentor. I can hardly tell you what life 
up there seems at times.” 

“But will you not try?” she urged. “I want so much 
to know more of it! Who, for instance, are my grand- 
mother’s relations?” 

Broderick laughed. “No, no, that is beyond me! But 
you are sure to see them all soon. They must be due on 
their regulation visit. By the way, don’t you think I’ve 
earned the right to do a little catechizing myself? Surely, 
your world must seem cramped just now.” 

“No,” said the girl, with that peculiar lifting of her 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


71 


head, the look which gave an impression of force, coming 
into her eyes and lips. “ On the contrary, it seems widen- 
ing. At the Nortdns’, after my cousin’s death, for a 
time, yes, it seemed as if the outlook might be of some- 
thing insupportable. I know I’m naturally a home bird, 
and like one kind of small routine, but I should stifle 
were I to lead the life I am sure some excellent, happy, 
and certainly useful people find their sphere in. I 
want ” 

The girl paused. She leaned forward, and met his 
glance sadly. 

“ What you will not find, my friend,” Hugh Broderick 
said gravely, “I am sure, without pain, sorrow, disap- 
pointment! I know well, I can read, something of your 
nature; perhaps,” he smiled rather sadly, “by my own. 
Believe me, this world, if it gives supreme moments of 
happiness, to such as you and me gives its hours of pain, 
vexation, hollowness, disenchantment, until we learn 
that it is all involved in the one grand lesson of life — the 
Book, which the only Master worth serving holds open.” 

Alison’s eyes fell. Hot a trace of cant was there in the 
man’s tone; his manner, his voice, however, all impressed 
her, quieted her, yet there was more to say on the same 
topic, and Alison, lifting her eyes with their sad look, 
went on anxiously: “I know it may seem queer to talk to 
you in this way, Mr. Broderick, but life is such a tangle! 
And I do pray,” her lips quivered, but he only nodded his 
head gravely, and she continued : “And I ask for light and 
strength, and I want, oh, so much to make all this natural 
energy and spirit of mine of use. Mrs. Gildersleeve, after 
all, did need me. Even the Nortons found me of some 
service, but with my grandmother I feel myself merely 
an encumbrance. I have an idea that up in that great, 


72 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


busy, working world, if a mere unit, I could make out the 
sum total, with better results!” 

He laughed. “And yet,” he said, looking at the girl 
intently, “there’s not a touch of the ‘woman — woman’ 
about you, as it is called, you know.” 

“ Heaven forbid !” she laughed, “ and yet, what did I say, 
or did I say it? Like yourself, but in a different field, I’d 
like power.” 

“Ah, power! A woman has it, my friend, in the hollow 
of her hand but too often.” 

“And uses it ” Alison hesitated. 

“ To crush, or wound and maim. But no ! power is not, 
should not be despised, and — see here — I am going to 
prove that you already possess a certain, perhaps undue, 
amount; for here is a concession on my part. If you 
like, when we go back, this very evening, I will say 
something to commend your plan to Mrs. Broderick. I 
think,” he added quietly, “ I know of an argument which 
may be all-potent, but it may tax you beyond your 
strength.” 

“Try me!” exclaimed Alison. She held out her hand, 
he took it at once, and as the girl gave that little decisive 
nod to her head characteristic of determination within her, 
he smiled upon their compact. 

“If you fail,” he said, as she withdrew her hand, 
“remember I do not urge, indeed I am not sure that, in 
any way, I advise nor will I encourage it.” 

But Alison had gained her point, and whatever the 
future held she believed, she hoped, Hugh Broderick would 
prove if a rigid master, at least a loyal friend. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


It Lad been a day of unusual activity for Mrs. Brod- 
erick; yet, as in all matters of her daily life, the result of 
careful deliberation, thought, and some consultation with 
the faithful Janet. 

A look in her mistress’ face, when she carried up the 
early dinner tray, had surprised the old housekeeper; but 
before a question was asked, Mrs. Broderick said dryly: 

“Your face hasn’t lost its tell-tale powers, my good 
Janet! You’ve as much as asked me what is the matter.” 

Janet smiled gravely and nodded. “ That’s so, ma’am,” 
she said calmly. 

“Well, I’ve been thinking considerably,” said her mis- 
tress, “and I’ve made my mind up on a point or two. 
Hugh Broderick, as usual, has made me go into details, 

to think — worry Now, will you be kind enough to 

send for a messenger boy at once? Meanwhile, give me 
my desk.” Janet obeyed, too accustomed to the old 
lady’s energy in business matters to even think much of 
her apparent eagerness in this affair, whatever it might 
mean in the present or future. The lap desk was easily 
arranged; the note written, sealed, and addressed before 
the boy sent for arrived, and on being ushered into Mrs. 
Broderick’s presence, she looked at him keenly, made a 
note of his number, and enjoined upon him to find the 
gentleman to whom the letter was addressed wherever he 
was, if in New York; and if not, to get his out of town 
address. 


73 


u 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


Janet added a word of warning, to speed the boy on 
this evidently important mission, and he departed im- 
pressed by the fact that it “meant business,” and would 
afford him an opportunity for his rare executive talents 
to come forward. Two o’clock, to Janet’s surprise, saw 
his return, flushed with triumph after, as he made haste 
to explain, a “regular hunt, the party ’d moved, but said 
it was all right, he’d be up directly .” And pocketing 
his own douceur , Eo. 40005 departed just as the “party” 
he had summoned, a slightly built man of middle age with 
a quiet, clerical aspect, approached Mordick Street and, 
somewhat anxious in manner, knocked at No. 18. 

“ Well, Mr. Robbins!” exclaimed Janet, “you’re a great 
stranger! You’ll find her failing rather,” she added in a 
whisper and motioning him toward the stairs. “I feel as 
if — well any day, anything might happen.” 

The little man nodded gravely, understanding precisely 
what Mrs. Holdsworthy meant — sighed, dusted his hat, 
straightened his collar and tie, from force of habit, for it 
was in absolutely good order, and followed the old woman 
slowly up the staircase. 

Dearly would Janet have liked to caution her mistress 
against anything worrying, but Mrs. Broderick’s look 
of eagerness and determination made it out of the ques- 
tion, and she retired, obliged to content herself by one 
warning shake of her head over the little man’s shoulder, 
which Mrs. Broderick refused to admit that she observed; 
if anything, it only made her keener over the matter in 
hand. That look of her old servant emphasized what she 
felt daily, almost hourly, sure of : that, as she had said, the 
end was drawing near. 

An hour elapsed before Janet was summoned by her 
mistress’ bell, to, find her very pale, but comparatively 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


15 


composed and certainly much better than she had ex- 
pected would be the case after any exertion on one of her 
poorest days. 

“You’re wanted as a witness, Janet,” the old lady said 
gravely, “and there must be no misunderstanding that, 
you see me in full possession of my senses. Now go and 
call in that Mrs. Joyce who lives two doors below, to act 
as a second witness.” 

Janet very soberly listened, did her bidding, and re- 
turned in a few minutes with Mrs. Joyce, whom Mrs. 
Broderick recognized by a short nod of the head. Janet 
waited with an enquiring glance at Mr. Robbins. 

“Stay a little longer,” said the old lady, in her sharp 
tone; she drew the checkbook, familiar to Janet’s eyes, 
nearer. “Now then, you are to understand, Janet, Mr. 
Robbins receives this check to hold the money, seven 
hundred and fifty dollars, in trust for a certain purpose.” 

The check was signed. Irregular or unusual the pro- 
ceeding might appear in a court of law, but to Janet 
Holds worthy it seemed as important, as binding, as 
sacred, as though registered before Heaven, and when 
once again to another document her signature, and that of 
Mrs. Joyce, as witness to that of her mistress were 
required, after which she was allowed to show her 
neighbor out and return to her own domain, the sense that 
such transactions just now must mean something of un- 
usual importance fairly overawed the old Scotchwoman, 
so that while she waited upon Mr. Robbins with a light 
refreshment before that gentleman took his leave, she did 
her best to “draw him out,” but with no success; the only 
suggestion offered by what he said being the result of his 
enquiring about “this young lady, Miss Fane — Donald’s 
daughter, he understood.” 


76 


ALISON'S AD VEN1 URES. 


Janet might have launched forth freely on so congenial 
a topic, but that the lawyer’s manner had annoyed her. 
“If he can keep mum, so can I,” the old woman reflected, 
with a toss of her head, and Mr. Robbins departed, no 
wiser, so far as this point was concerned, than when he 
came, yet considerably impressed by the fact that Mrs. 
Broderick was failing, “going fast,” he told his wife 
that evening. “But she’s as wide awake this minute as 
you and I ever were — and a bit wider maybe.” 

Had he known, however, the effort, mental and physical 
powers taxed to their uttermost, which had made the 
morning’s work possible to the old lady in Mordick 
Street, Mr. Robbins’ admiration of her pluck would have 
been even greater than it was. The moments seemed to 
her to drag after his departure, anxiety for Alison’s return 
increasing, until when at last the hour really came which 
saw Broderick and Alison once more in the door-way, the 
old lady had become feverishly weak, and would have been 
very querulous, but that the sight of Broderick’s face 
recalled to her the need of a perfectly quiet, composed, and 
satisfactory interview with him. 

And something in Alison’s face, manner, even her 
voice, also surprised the old lady into forgetting any 
personal grievance. The girl looked almost beautiful : 
her eyes darker, softer, gentler; the color, usually only 
flitting, now a deep pink on her cheeks; her lips, red as a 
child’s, were parted in such a softly happy smile, as she 
came in, her voice held so unmistakable a ring of happi- 
ness that, as she withdrew, leaving Broderick alone with 
his old kinswoman, the latter turned her shrewd glance 
upon him, saying quietly: 

“She — what has happened? The girl is waking up 
into — she may turn out a beautiful woman.” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


77 


Broderick smiled quietly. 

“Undoubtedly!” he remarked. “No girl with such a 
pair of eyes, such an expressive face, could ever be plain; 
and this Miss Fane has what artists would rave over: 
the combination of childlike simplicity with a woman’s 
strength and sweetness.” 

“Humph! you’ve been using your powers of discern- 
ment to some purpose, I see.” 

“I told you, my dear aunt,” said Broderick lightly, but 
passing his hand across his brow, as if weary, “I am 
always doing it, nowadays.” 

She looked at him keenly, her old eyes full of affection- 
ate sorrow. 

“Hugh,” she said quietly, “will the old wound never 
heal? Do you know, I had hoped — yes, worldly, cynical, 
as you think me, as in most ways I am — this very day I 
had been wishing things were different, and that you and 
this girl of poor Donald’s ” 

He started, flushed almost painfully, and put up his 
hand. 

“No, no, my dear Aunt Rachel!” he said quickly. 
“Dismiss all such ideas once, and forever, from your 
mind ! I am wedded hand and foot, strength and pur- 
pose, time — in every way — simply to work; to carrying 
out certain schemes, to enjoying a wider life, perhaps of 
travel, and study later. But, as for one thought of 
marriage, I shall never have it. Yes, or rather no; the old 
wound, as you call it, not only has not healed, but is sore 
with itself, it has eaten its way through and through all 
the heart I could ever offer any girl or woman upon 
earth.” 

He spoke deliberately, slowly, yet with a force that 
made each word impressive, and presently went on: 


78 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


“This young girl, Alison Fane, may have a happy life 
before her, but it must be an active one. In fact,” he 
smiled, recalling the subject of their discussion that day, 
“she has already mentioned some of her plans, and 
requested me to use my influence with you.” 

“Indeed! Then you must have made some prog- 
ress,” declared Mrs. Broderick, a faint smile touching 
her lips. 

“Oh, it was, as you will see, because I could help her 
with advice, it being in my own line. She is seriously 
anxious to make gloves.” 

“To what?” Mrs. Broderick sat upright, both hands 
pressed firmly down upon the arms of her great chair. 
“Alison wishes to make gloves!” 

He nodded slowly. “Yes, and let me assure you her 
ideas are very practical. Indeed, were she anyone else, I 
would consider her a most valuable apprentice.” 

Mrs. Broderick remained silent, but every moment was 
full of keenest thought. 

“Why anyone else?” she asked at length, with another 
piercing gaze. 

“Oh, simply because you might not care to have it 
known your granddaughter was working in the mills.” 

“Humph! why, you — well, but why need they know 
it?” 

He laughed. “Do you ” But suddenly he broke 

off. “ That is very true,” he continued. “ She is so entirely 
a stranger that the ordinary mill hands need not know 
it; still, no, I do not like the idea! But am I to under- 
stand, then, that you do not wholly disapprove.” 

“You think well of it?” She watched him critically. 

“I promised her to use my influence.” 

“And if you did not think it a good idea, Hugh 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


79 


Broderick, you would not have done so. Why can’t you 
admit as much?” 

“ But I really do not know,” he said after a brief pause, 
and with a look of keen anxiety. “ She is not a girl whom 
one could advise carelessly, — I fancy she has keenest 
intuitions and good natural judgment, but how much 
does she know of the world?” 

“That is not the question,” retorted Mrs. Broderick. 
“Exeford is a perfectly moral, humdrum town. She will 
not be contaminated.” A long pause ensued. Broderick 
was evidently deep in thought, and his old kinswoman had 
shaded her eyes with one jewelled hand. 

“Donald Fane’s daughter!” she said at last, the same 
melancholy smile flickering about her lips. “This is a 
queer world, Hugh! I’m not sorry to leave it, and yet, I 
admit, I’d like to stay a little longer, to watch that girl., 
work out her destiny! There! You would add, under 
Providence, and so, so I hope do I — I assure you, my dear 
boy, I’m not quite the hardened sceptic you believe me.” 

“I know it,” he smiled. “You never really were. It 
was like some of your other fads.” 

“Well, well!” she rejoined hastily, “this is not the 
subject in hand exactly. Yes, Hugh, I’m amenable to your 
authority yet, you see, and I will agree to consider this 
astonishing proposition of Alison’s seriously. I will dis- 
cuss it with her, and now let us see what we can do with 
Gorman’s latest suggestion. He wants me to use the 
Clyde machines, I understand.” 

And the Conversation drifted speedily into the busi- . 
ness questions just then agitating the management and 
operatives of “Gorman’s” in Exeford, and Hugh appar- 
ently forgot everything else they had been considering in 
setting before his kinswoman certain of the rights and 


80 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


wrongs of the matters under way, in no degree giving 
in to her in any argument which shut out full considera- 
tion of the workers, but at the same time impressing upon 
her the fact that he never humored them. 

“It is only and always a question of fair exchange,” he 
declared. “But at the same time, those who are in power 
should remember that the working people have rights, 
which perhaps they dare not express, and it is the master’s 
duty to see to them. Not to sentimentalize a grievance, 
but to sift it, settle it — in fact, co-operate.” 

Mrs. Broderick’s eyes were still watchful and alert. 
“Suppose,” she said quietly, “that Exeford mills were 
yours.” 

He understood her thoroughly. “ I should consider,” he 
said quietly, “that by holding them I was defrauding 
those to whom bj 7, every moral right they belong.” 

“Property has no moral rights, such as you suggest,” 
declared Mrs. Broderick, with a flash of her wonderful dark 
eyes. “And you of all people to advocate the entirely 
unjust idea of mere birthright!” 

Broderick’s fine keen face lit up with a very shrewd 
smile. 

“My dear Aunt Rachel,” he said, leaning his arm across 
the back of his chair and looking at her steadily, “ why 
is it that all our talks, begun on business, drift into the- 
oretical discussions? Either we have an immense respect 
for each other’s private opinions, or we must see reason 
for urging a conversion to our own! Now, I admit in 
the most wholesale manner that I want to convert you, but 
you persist in my posing as what I am not, never was, 
never could be — a believer in that universal brotherhood 
which demands common ownership of the universe! I 
protect my rights, moral, mental, physical, in every pos- 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


81 


sible way, against any enemy, but I protect, or wish to 
protect my brother, who is my common sharer in toil, the 
necessary, or part of the necessary mechanism of my suc- 
cess. That is all: if I have a tool, shall I not keep it 
clean? A lock; shall I not see that the key fits it and is 
never clogged?” 

“Go on,” she assented, with her grim smile. 

“There is very little more to say; this was just in 
answer to your idea that I could advocate common 
ownership in property, of any kind. But I do maintain, 
remember, that birth has certain rights. One should 
think of one’s own, first, in these matters, at least so far 
as to give them their chance. I would never beggar my 
son to enrich mj^ neighbor, unless that son of himself had 
disgraced his title to my name or consideration. Now, 
have I made what you consider my alarmingly socialistic 
doctrines clear?” 

She waited in careful silence a moment and more before 
answering. 

“Yes,” she said at length, “I understand you. I must, 
I will be just, if I can, before it is too late.” 

“You are right,” he said slowly. “I have seen enough 
of the world to despise its dela'ys, based on that most 
cowardly, unworthy dread of the only thing of which we 
are certain — death. By the way, my will is made, and 
actually largely in your favor!” 

“Hugh Broderick, talk sense if you can,” said his 
listener, trying not to smile. 

“But I am, my dear aunt!” he retorted gayly. 
“Should you outlive me, you are left full right and title 
to the wonderful ‘attachment,’ provided you have it used 
as I direct. You may yet ride in a golden chariot, per- 
haps, at my expense!” 

G 


82 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


He was standing over her, and with one of his rare 
impulses of demonstration, curiously enough, most fre- 
quent with this lonely, forbidding old woman, laid his 
hand on her head and smiled down upon her, gently touch- 
ing her forehead with his lips. 

“Hugh, my lad,” Mrs. Broderick said, in a low tone, 
“if you had been my boy, my own child, you’d have 
warmed my heart, and made a different woman of me! 
Never mind! You will see, when I am gone!” 

He laid his hand lightly on her lips. 

“Not a word more!” he said, in a low tone. “Now, 

Aunt Rachel, business over ” 

“To pleasure,” she assented. “Where is Alison? 
Janet tells me she can play or sing, something of the kind. 
The old piano downstairs may be worth opening.” 


CHAPTER XIV. 


Alison Fane opened her eyes the next morning with 
that sudden rush of recollection which comes after an 
engrossing day, such as the last had been, coupled with 
a confused consciousness of something else impending, 
and then, with a smile at herself, remembered that Mr. 
Broderick was to leave on a very early train, and she had 
actually been commissioned by her grandmother to break- 
fast with him in the seldom used dining-room. She had 
to laugh to herself as she made her toilet, and went 
down the shabby old stairs, wondering whether there 
would be breakfast enough for one, to say nothing of two, 
but her first glance at Janet’s kitchen reassured her. 
Preparations for something quite worthy to be called a 
meal were going forward, and Janet’s first salutation 
showed the old woman to be in a state of triumphant 
pride. 

“Now go yourself, my dear, into the dining-room and 
see how I’ve set things out!” said Mrs. Holdsworthy. 
“I’d hard work to make your grandmother let me have 
out the best. Eh! but he’s the only one she’d do it for!” 

Alison was only too well pleased to follow the sugges- 
tion, and found the freshly laid table, with the really rich 
damask and silver which hinted at her grandmother’s 
treasures of the kind, made a cheerful centre in a very 
gloomy, although imposing room. It was but the work 
of a few moments to manage quite a pretty little bouquet 
from the uncared for garden, and Alison was in the midst 

83 


84 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


of this work, having just placed her blossoms in a bowl of 
creamy white ware she had discovered in the cupboard, 
when the door opened upon Broderick himself. He 
looked cool and composed as usual, but with the twinkle in 
his eye Alison already knew, and which she answered at 
once by a smile and gay nod of her head. 

“Am I intruding? No — well, then, may I bring my 
morning paper in here, Miss Fane?” He waited for no 
permission, however, nor did he, on entering, do more 
than thrust the paper into his sack pocket, while he stood 
near the young girl, surveying her work. 

“This is delightful!” he said finally, throwing back his 
head and drawing a long breath. “It makes one shrink 
from going back to mere lodgings, however. How 
much,” he added, looking at the invitingly laid table 
again, “these — well, decorative — touches in life mean after 
all! I wonder what you would say to my rooms.” 

Alison smiled. “Tell me,” she said gayly. Janet was 
approaching with her tray, the odors of fragrant coffee 
reached them, and Alison moved forward to hold open the 
door, but still kept her eyes upon Broderick. 

“Janet,” exclaimed her “favorite in the clan,” “I’ve 
just been telling Miss Fane that the sight of such a table 
makes me dread going back to my dingy quarters.” 

“Eh, then, stay a bit!” said Janet sagely, while Alison 
moved about, assisting to set forth the daintily served 
dishes. 

“If I could!” 

Janet looked at him anxiously, and with a pucker 
between her brows which Alison already understood. 

“You’ll be bac'k again, my lad, very soon, I’m telling 
you! Very soon,” she said solemnly. 

“Does she really think Mrs. Broderick’s failing?” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


85 


Hugh asked Alison directly they were alone, and she had 
poured his coffee, and was preparing her own. 

Alison nodded her head slowly. 

“Yes — and I almost think so myself!” 

“And then” — he paused, his brow contracted. “Ali- 
son,” he said suddenly, “excuse me, I don’t think I am 
usually so forgetful of good manners. Listen to met I 
cannot but feel your position among them all likely to 
be a very trying one, more so than you can suspect. Will 
you promise me to think of me as one who can, at least, 
advise you in time of perplexity, or it may even be 
trouble. If so, I will leave here with a freer conscience.” 

They had risen. Alison had a curious feeling that it 
was a moment in which “good-by” was being said to 
something, what she could not have told, which she would 
fain have kept, at least a little longer, until familiarity 
had made it more completely part of her life, as it might 
be of her thoughts. Utterly free from any mere senti- 
ment in this sudden friendship, she was governed entirely 
by what she recognized as Broderick’s strength, honesty 
of will, and character; and the desolation of her own lot, 
especially should what he and Janet seemed to think 
imminent, her grandmother’s sudden death, come to pass, 
rushed across her with a new sense of its cruelty, its 
forlornness. 

“Yes,” she said hurriedly, wondering if the pair of 
grave, dark eyes, fastened upon her face, were not read- 
ing her inmost thoughts; “yes, Mr. Broderick, I promise 
you, freely — gratefully.” 

She raised her eyes with their unmistakable purity and 
candor to his face, as she held out her hand, and Hugh in 
spite of a sudden, most unlooked for impulse, did not 
permit himself more than the pressure of farewell of 


86 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


kindly feeling, which was all that Alison read in his 
words, look, touch, or seeming; but when, in answer to a 
summons from Mrs. Broderick, he had hurried away, the 
girl stood still, her hands clasped tightly together, the 
color slowly coming into her face, reaching to the waves 
of soft brown bail’, as she smiled, vexed, ashamed, baffled 
by her own lack of dignity. 

“But if only,” thought Alison, “he will not, in that 
busy life of his, forget our bond! No, he will not forget! 
Come what may, until he himself bids me not do it, I 
will trust him !” 

And the look, proud, sweet, happy, which this reflection 
lent her face, was still there when Hugh came downstairs 
for the actual good-by. 

It was brief and formal, of course, yet once again their 
eyes met, remembrance of what had been a sincere pledge 
of friendship in the swift look exchanged, and then lie 
was gone, the heavy hall-door had closed upon her glimpse 
of a bright experience, and Alison turned to remember 
that now, above all other times, when depressed no doubt, 
by her favorite’s departure, Mrs. Broderick would need 
her. 

She was none too soon. The old lady’s ordinarily 
watchful look had grown to something near its too fre- 
quent petulance, and, as Alison appeared, she said, with a 
nervous gesture : 

“Come in, come in! I was just going to send for you. 
Well, Hugh has come and gone! but there’s a great deal, 
I assure you, left to do!” 


CHAPTER XV. 


Dr. Egerton’s house in Lower Exeford was best de- 
scribed, I have always maintained, by the guest of a night, 
who declared it was “overflowing,” for so it was, with 
hospitality, good humor, kindliness, everything which can 
combine to make a home what it should be, and although 
more than once care and grief had knocked at the doctor’s 
ever open door, and chilled his fireside, yet there was that 
inner core of trust, faith, confidence, in the guiding 
Hand, the ruling Spirit, which softened the blow, lit 
anew the fires, and kept those who were left bound by 
a closer chain, a gentler, surer bondage of affection and 
mutual care of each other’s well being and deepest needs. 

It was a large old-fashioned house, on the widest part 
of Park Street, not far from the river; and if the sound of 
the busy Exeford mills reached it hourly, yet it had to 
float over the brick wall of such a “town garden ” as was 
not to be found in all the county ; where the gayest, as 
well as the daintiest, and shyest of blossoms were 
cared for, and throve like the doctor’s family itself. 
Mrs. Egerton was a famous gardener, and, consequently 
gave a peculiarly magic touch to the flowers she loved and 
tended with such skill, and so the garden, restrained by no 
merely conventional rules, was an enchanting place to 
lounge about in, provided with the most attractive of 
wicker seats, with plenty of shade, a square of velvety 
lawn, and two walks so daintily protected from the hottest 
sun’s rays as to have earned the right to be called a 

87 


88 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


Pleasaunce by the tall, gray-eyed, trim-built young lady 
who on a certain summer morning was walking up and 
down therein, her companion, a 'very pretty, wholly unin- 
teresting looking girl, about the same age, of eighteen 
perhaps, who sauntered at her side, listening to what 
Kate Egerton was saying, with a very forlorn expression 
in her big brown eyes. 

“No good will ever come of it, Maggie, I assure you,” 
Kate was remarking as she looked compassionately upon 
her companion. “ Can’t you girls contrive to have your 
fun some other way? For my part,” and here Miss 
Kate’s nose was decidedly in the air, “I’d scorn the 
whole proceeding!” 

“And well you might, Kitty Egerton !” exclaimed her 
companion, in a tone at once high pitched and doleful. 
“For, as we all know, you have everything you want at 
home; but with me, what, now I ask you, what is there?” 

The girls were standing still for a moment, and Kate put 
one of her slim brown hands on the daintily frilled sleeve 
of her companion’s gown. 

“Why, Maggie,” she said quietly, “there’s just your- 
self.” 

“Myself!” declared Maggie; then she laughed scornfully. 
“Well, I guess you’re right; there’s just that and nothing 
else.” 

“It’s everything,” declared the doctor’s daughter 
eagerly. “Now, then, just listen: here’s your grievance as 
I understand it. You want to join the Exeford sociables, 
and your mother prefers you shouldn’t. Now let me sug- 
gest what I think some of her reasons may be. These 
sociables are started by a set of people with nothing on 
earth to do and a great deal too much money and foolish- 
ness to do it with. The object first, last, and foremost is 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


89 


fun— no matter how obtained, at what cost, by what 
experiments; show, excitement, a wild rush and tear; and 
what, when it’s all said and done, is offered in exchange 
for your peace of mind, which, believe me, is — must be — 
wholly sacrificed!” 

While Kate was speaking, the expression upon Maggie 
Payne’s silly little face varied, until a look half ashamed, 
half defiant settled upon it. 

“Oh, you’re, no — I was going to say such a prude, but 
of course, Kitty,” said the girl: “no one could call you 
that! but you don’t know what a dull life I have of it! 
Why, only this morning I was telling Jack Leigh just how 
poky things were, and he said he’d see I got over to Exe- 
town for the last Fair day, anyhow.” 

“Oh, indeed!” Kate’s pretty upper lip was curled, and 
her brows considerably elevated for an instant. “Very 
kind of Jack, I’m sure. By the way,” she added sud- 
denly, “has Hugh Broderick come back, I wonder?” 

Maggie shook her head. “I think not, but, oh, yes, I 
believe he is expected to-night. He went down on business 
for Gorman’s, didn’t he?” 

“Yes.” Kate was silent for an instant, then she said 
very quietly, “I’d like to know what he would say, 
Maggie, to the sociables!” 

“He! oh, well!” exclaimed the girl, with a light toss of 
her head, “I don’t suppose he could dance if he was to 
die for it! Of course, I know he’s awfully good looking 
and, well, taking looking, whatever you choOse to call it, 
with those dark eyes of his and that superb mouth and chin ; 
but after all — why, do you know, Kate, Linda Gorman 
said the other day she didn’t think people ought to treat 
him quite as they do; it would give him, well, ideas out 
of his rank, I suppose.” 


90 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


For answer the doctor’s daughter at first stood still, 
regarding her friend with eyes that danced merrily as 
sunbeams, then she gave away to an irresistible peal of 
laughter. 

“Oh, dear; oh, dear; oh, dear!” she exclaimed, “and that 
is Linda’s latest, is it? Oh, I’m so glad I have her opinion 
on that important subject! Poor Mr. Broderick! 1 hope 
he’ll never hear of it.” 

Maggie looked seriously uneasy now. 

“Oh, I hope not!” she said meaningly. 

“1 ache to tell him,” declared Kate, with another tink- 
ling laugh. “I can just see how his eyes would twinkle, 
and his mouth twitch under his mustache. Oh, don’t 
look frightened, my dear! I can’t do it, you see, as 
it would be so downright ill-bred — but, oh, I w 7 ish I 
could !” 

“Well,” said Maggie, relieved on this score, “that’s 
just what Linda said; that’s all I know. But, Kate, 
surely mother won’t refuse the Leighs’ invitation?” 

Kate’s bonny young face was grave enough, now. 

“No, dear,” she said slowly; “I suppose not.” She 
hesitated an instant, then added in a lower tone, “Well, 
as father always says, Jack Leigh is a gentleman any way 
in one sense of the term, and Agnes ” 

“Agnes is a perfect darling!” cried Maggie Payne, with 
a pinker color than ever in her cheeks. “And I can tell 
you one thing, Kate Egerton, I know for a fact: if Jack 
Leigh doesn’t appreciate her, someone else does!” 

The gayety in Kate’s expression had died away com- 
pletely, now. The doctor’s daughter had a look which 
her mother would have been proud of, on her usually 
riante , happy young face. 

“So, that is the kind of thing you listen to, is it, 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


91 


Maggie?” she said slowly. “Poor Agnes! I wonder if she 
knows how her guests dispose of her feelings.” 

Maggie was silent, hut more because Kate’s manner 
baffled her than from appreciation of what the doctor’s 
daughter really meant her words to imply. She was 
decidedly uncomfortable, however, and relieved herself by 
a little air of bravado and would-be unconcern. 

“Oh, of course I understand what you mean, Kitty,” she 
said, very loftily. “But you must remember Agnes 
doesn’t try in the least to conceal her feelings, and Jack 
is so — so — blind, and Gray Gorman ” 

Kate put out her hand. 

“Don’t please,” she exclaimed. “I declare it’s enough 
to sicken one! Here are a whole set of people rushing 
over to Exetown on any sort of excuse to accept the Leigh’s 
hospitality, everything, and one and all ready to concoct 
a hateful scandal the next minute! Can’t we keep out 
of it?” 

“O Kate,” protested Maggie, “how seriously you do 
take things!” 

“Yes,” exclaimed Kate, so prompt^ that Maggie was 
startled. “Yes, thank Heaven, so I do! some things very 
seriously! Come on now, Maggie,” she added suddenly, 
and with a softer look and tone. “There is father in the 
study window, beckoning to us. It looks as if he had a 
letter in his hand. Perhaps it’s from Guy for me.” 

And with a light wave of her hand, and a “Yes, father, 
— coming!” Kate urged her companion on, pausing at the 
low open window of the doctor’s study adjoining his 
office, where he stood with a large square envelope in his 
hand. 

“Broderick is in the office,” he exclaimed, as the girls 
stood still. “He brought this in with him, and, Kate — • 


92 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


girls — what do you suppose? He’s been sent for to New 
York again; his old relative there it seems is very ill, per- 
haps this time dying. But he has a message for you, 
Miss Maggie.” 

The girls were making their way around to the other 
door, when by a look Dr. Egerton detained Kate for an 
instant. 

“I’m afraid I don’t know quite what to think will 
happen,” he said gravely — he and his eldest daughter 
were, as her mother often proudly declared, veritable 
cronies, on most matters of interest, whether at homo or 
abroad — “if that old lady down there is really dying and 
that ruck of relatives come in for Gorman’s. It will turn 
the mills, or rather the poor hands simply into machines 
to fill their pockets, and the tighter Gorman puts on the 
screws, the more they will make out of it! And I had 
hoped Broderick would be master there, before now!” 

“But, father,” asked Kate, “is it not true that Mr. 
Broderick has a wonderful invention on hand, which even 
Gorman couldn’t compete with?” 

The doctor smiled. “Ah, my dear! I’ve been born and 
bred, as you know, among factories and factory people, 
and for one ‘great’ — that’s what they all are in the inven- 
tor’s brain — invention that makes a man’s fortune there are 
a hundred that ruin him, not in fortune only, but in hope, 
purpose in life, ambition, everything! No, no! I’m no 
croaker, my girl, as you know, but I’d rather see Broderick 
a ‘hand’ at Gorman’s all his life than face the disappoint- 
ment I fear is in store for him.” 

“Poor Hugh!” murmured Kitty, looking down. 

“Go out there and see him for a moment,” said the 
doctor cheerily. “Ask him if he found anything in New 
York better than old Exetown.” And as his favorite 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


93 


daughter disappeared in the direction of the office the 
doctor looked after her slim, proudly carried young figure 
and sighed. 

“God forbid any sorrow should come to my brave girl 
of this!” he reflected. “Most people would call me, I sup- 
pose, an old simpleton, for encouraging it! But whether 
he is all his life only one of Gorman’s hands or a master of 
the mills himself, Hugh Broderick will never be more nor 
less than what he is this moment — as honest a gentleman as 
God ever fashioned !” 

And meanwhile, in the big, half shabby, wholly com- 
fortable outer office, Hugh Broderick was explaining to 
Kate Egerton, first that her friend Maggie was out at 
the gate talking to young Mrs. Jack Leigh, then that he 
was returning post haste to New York. 

“And shall I say it’s too bad?” enquired Kate, with her 
saucy dimple coming in view, while she looked up with a 
provoking air into Broderick’s face. “I mean, too bad 
that old lady is so very ill? I admit I’ve been longing 
for a change of some sort at Gorman’s.” 

Broderick smiled down upon the lovely arch face of the 
girl before him. Already a half formed plan, which had 
been working in his mind, gathered new shape. No girl 
in Exeford he felt sure could be a truer friend to Alison 
Fane than this one before him, yet, perhaps he had better 
wait a little longer. After this second visit he would see. 
“Change!” he echoed. “Well, Miss Kate, if old Mrs. 
Broderick dies, there will be more changes, I don’t doubt, 
than you and I can think of at this moment! Who knows 
what they imply? New hands, new masters, new every- 
thing, and your humble servant will ‘fold his tent like the 
Arab.’ ” 

Kate’s smile was faint, but she shook her head gayly. 


94 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


“Oh, no, Mr. Broderick! you’d never silently steal 
away; it isn’t your fashion of doing anything.” 

“Perhaps not.” He spoke absently, then rousing him- 
self held out his hand. “ I suppose,” he added, with a smile, 
“to do my duty I ought to ask you if I could perform any 
commission for you in Hew York, but I’m afraid I’d 

bungle it fearfully. However ” He was about to add 

that a young friend would help him when Kate, with a 
quick flush, exclaimed, “ Oh, will you do something for me ! 
Oh, yes; you won’t bungle!” and before Broderick 
could answer she had flown from the room and to the foot of 
the wide, shallow-stepped old staircase where she paused, 
her finger on her lip, as she reflected what reasonable 
errand she could give him? Merely for the sake, she well 
knew it to be, of having his service; having something he 
had bought and chosen for her to store away among her 
special treasures. 

“You’re only to go to this address,” Miss Egerton said, 
returning presently with a printed card in her hand, “and 
please pick me out a small silver horseshoe, I w r ant it for 
a particular purpose, and a yard of "white ribbon.” The 
color sped wildly into her face at the last words, wonder- 
ing if the absurdity of sending by him to New York for 
a yard of white ribbon occurred to Broderick, but at all 
events he appeared, as he was, perfectly unconcerned, 
said only “Very well,” slipped the card into his pocket, 
and the rare tete-d-tete was over. 

“I may have a very especial favor to ask of you, Miss 
Kitty,” he said, holding his hand out for good-by; “that 
is, when I come back. I’m not sure, but I think, I hope 
so.” 

The girl’s sweet face was uplifted bravely, she nodded 
her head as he spoke. 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


95 


“Ask away !” declared Kitty, not aware of the very con- 
fident pressure her little fingers were trying to give 
Broderick’s strong hand. “There’s a lot of superfluous 
ability in certain directions going to waste in me! I 
declare, as I often tell father, he ought to advertise me as 
an example of his skill as a physician!” 

Broderick returned the clasp of her honest little hand 
warmly enough. Was there ever a brighter, honester, 
sweeter young creature! And what a “good comrade” 
she could be ! 

“I’ll not forget, Miss Kitty,” he said, smiling. “Take 
care, don’t be rash! I may make very wide demands upon 
that heart of yours, in a good cause.” 

Her color came and went again, but she still smiled 

gayiy- 

“I’ll give you my banking hours,” she declared. 

“Agreed! well now, it must be good-by, until the next 
time.” 

Another quick pressure of his big hand on her slim one, 
a look, a nod, a smile, and the doctor’s daughter was alone. 
She did not move to watch his departure; only, as she 
heard the side gate, by which he had gone out, give its 
little click in answer to his swift pull of it, a queer 
strained look came into the girl’s eyes and lips, into her 
whole face, but she raised her head a bit higher. 

“And this is the first time,” thought the girl, “in all 
my life anything of the kind ever happened to me ! and 
if he doesn’t care! Good Heavens, Katherine, my dear, 
what will become of you?” 

And then, with what she felt a needed “pulling of her- 
self together,” Kate went out to the shady, sleepy old 
street, where a pretty basket phaeton was drawn up, the 
girl within it evidently waiting and watching for some- 


96 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


one, even while she listened to Maggie Payne’s artless 
chatter, absently answering now and then. 

She was perhaps as fair a type of what w T as called the 
fashionable world of Exeford and its adjoining Exe- 
town as could be desired: tall and prettily formed, with a 
delicate face, the softest of brown eyes well shaded by 
long dark lashes, which, when lifted, gave a wonderful 
effect to the sweet gravity of her young face, as well 
as setting off its creamy fairness, a well-formed nose, 
a mouth of childlike color and sweetness, and a chin lovely 
as Hebe’s. To deny that Mrs. Jack Leigh w T as a beautiful 
woman would have been impossible; yet what was it the 
exquisite flower-like face needed to complete its charm — 
nay, to enforce it? Beside Kate Egerton’s bright irreg- 
ular face, with its witchery of color and expression, Mrs. 
Leigh’s perfection even faded into insignificance. Only 
such rather stupid prettiness as that belonging to little 
Maggie Payne could serve as its foil; for of stupidity, 
of any kind, no one could accuse the one considered far 
away the beauty of all Exe county ! 

“O Kitty!” Mrs. Leigh exclaimed, in her sweet, win- 
ning voice as the doctor’s daughter appeared, “I wanted 
so much to see you ! What are you going to do about the 
last Fair day? I count on you; remember, Kitty!” 

“Oh, yes, indeed!” was Kitty’s prompt answer; the 
gatherings at Braune House, the old, if somewhat fanci- 
ful name of the Leigh mansion, were famous in Exeford, 
and indeed throughout the county. “Well you may, 
Agnes! I wouldn’t miss it for anything; but isn’t your 
husband going to New York?” 

Agnes Leigh’s pretty brows w T ere elevated, her face 
flushed, as she laughed and shook her head. “Not yet 
a while. Hugh Broderick is going down again, and do let 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


97 


ns Lope this very disagreeable old lady will make np her 
mind to something. By the way Hugh seems to have 
taken quite a fancy to that plebeian little niece, or grand- 
daughter, of our revered relative !” 

Kitty nodded. “Yes,” she assented, and bearing the 
close scrutiny of her friend’s glance admirably, “and 
therefore one can be sure she must be very nice.” 

“Oh, of course!” said Agnes, with the nearest approach 
to a sneer her really sweet nature would allow. “Mr. 
Broderick’s standards are perfection.” 

Kitty was silent, and with another long-drawn sigh, 
expressive of the vague discontent — no other word could 
be used — of her feeling, Mrs. Leigh gathered up the reins 
and prepared to drive away. 

And then, suddenly, Kate Egerton did something which 
sent the blood flying up to her pretty hair again. Just 
turning the corner was a tall figure, that of a debonair 
handsome young fellow, dressed in the perfection of 
summer morning costume, and whose glance, as it fell upon 
the basket phaeton and its pretty occupant, was marked 
by a decidedly insolent, too open admiration. 

“O Agnes,” cried Kitty rapidly, “do you mind driving 
me down to Bend Lane! I must go there, and it won’t 
take you very much out of your way !” 

And as Mr. Gray Gorman approached, lifting his straw 
hat and smiling lazily upon Mrs. Leigh and her companion, 
Kate darted away, irritated more than she would have 
owned by being, as she put it to herself, “an officious 
gooseberry”; and yet there was the satisfaction of out- 
witting Gray Gorman in one of his shallow, frivolous, 
altogether unmanly schemes. 


7 


CHAPTER XVI. 


If Alison found her occupations, during the days imme- 
diately following Hugh Broderick’s departure, anxious in 
the care they entailed for her poor grandmother, she was 
thankful in any case to have every moment filled; so that 
the restless, vaguely discontented feelings, which some- 
how clung to her after what she called her holiday, 
could be better kept at hay. She was rarely away from 
her grandmother’s bedside; her moments of liberty, when 
she was not actually at her meals, were given to snatching 
some fresh air and exercise, and Hilda Benton was not for- 
gotten. Alison had cheered her most effectually by report- 
ing what she hoped from Hugh Broderick’s visit; mean- 
while she had seen to it that the young woman did not 
actually want; while the physician, who had called in 
response, it appeared, to a remark of the druggist Alison 
had patronized, was caring for her physical needs in a 
very kindly and generous fashion. 

Alison, on one of her flying visits to Charlier Street, 
had met him — an energetic, plain-looking, evidently hard- 
working young man — and had been much relieved to find 
how well he understood the case, and also that he was 
strongly in favor of Hilda’s trying to find work somewhere 
out of town ; the Exeford idea commended itself as admir- 
able to him. 

Dr. Holton had walked nearly as far as Mordick Street 
one afternoon with Alison on returning from a hurried call 
upon her new friend, while he discussed this question with 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


99 


her, and in bidding her good-by, gave her his card, 
remarking it might some time be of service; if she needed 
him at any time, especially in regard to Miss Benton, he 
hoped she would not hesitate to call upon him. 

“No, indeed, and thank you very much, doctor,” said 
Alison, in her sweet, earnest way. “ Pm sure, but for you 
I don’t know what might have happened ! Who knows,” 
she laughed brightly, “1 may sometime bring you some 
important, wonderful case, and be a better patron to you !” 

He smiled brightly. “Very well, Miss Fane! Don’t 
forget it!” he rejoined, and lifting his head, and nodding 
once more, the young doctor made his way homeward, 
curiously impressed by something about Alison herself 
which made him say in his own mind that stranger things 
had happened! and who could tell! Not for a great deal 
would the struggling young physician, whose home com- 
forts were too few to enumerate, have foregone the pleasure 
which had crept in all unawares upon his life since that first 
chance visit to Charlier Street; and this brave-looking 
young creature, he reflected, with her ready sympathy of 
look and voice, was evidently cut out, and fashioned by 
nature, to help other lives. 

Alison meanwhile had found ample occupation for mind 
and body on returning home. Mrs. Broderick was de- 
cidedly worse, her physician had been summoned, and 
the moment Alison entered the sick woman’s chamber she 
realized that an important, awful change had come. Not 
that the danger seemed close at hand. No, Mrs. Brod- 
erick’s faculties, her look, voice, gesture, all forbade that 
idea; but something which had been in the keen, hard, 
handsome old face, had drifted away, something else was 
slowly creeping over it. 

Alison awed, but not dismayed, stooped to kiss her 


100 


ALISON *8 ADVENTURES. 


grandmother’s withered cheek as she stood beside her, and 
composed her voice while she enquired at once if there was 
anything she could do. 

“Yes,” Mrs. Broderick murmured; “write for Hugh, 
I want to see him. Ho — telegraph\ Tell him not to 
delay.” 

And this accomplished, Alison, after a brief conference 
with Janet, prepared herself to take up her post in the 
sick room, determined to do and be all that was possible 
while the evidently flickering spark of life lingered. 

The physician came and went. It was too evident that 
he himself considered his visit only one of ceremony, and 
Alison followed him into the hall, mentioning she had 
summoned her grandmother’s nephew, and “business man 
at Exeford.” 

“Very right,” said Dr. Morris gravely. He had been 
introduced to Alison, and concluded she was only 
another of his eccentric patient’s many relatives. But 
be liked her better than any of those he had chanced to see 
in Mordick Street. She was very young for any care in 
the impending emergency, but she looked, he fancied — 
what, with the exception of old Janet, the others did 
not — very true. 

“ I am sure, my dear young lady,” the great functionary 
said, in leaving, “you are sensible enough to understand 
the — well — end is near, and I have persuaded your — 
grandmother, is it not? to let me send an efficient nurse in 
for the night. I will call in the evening, early.” 

And with every appearance of solemnity, such as the 
occasion required, Dr. Morris bowed himself away, and 
Alison returned to her station in the sick room, too 
anxious, too thoroughly roused to a sense of the real dan- 
ger her grandmother was in, to think in any way of herself. 


ALISON' 8 ADVENTURES. 


101 


Again the same earnest look from Mrs. Broderick’s dark 
eyes greeted her, and the waxen hand on the coverlet 
motioned her to draw near. 

“We are alone?” she murmured, and as the young girl 
bowed her head in assent and seated herself at the sick 
woman’s side, Mrs. Broderick’s eyes searched, scrutinized, 
read her face with mournful anxiety. 

“After all,” she said slowly, “it is but right and just; 
a terrible trust, however, Alison ! I wonder if I can give 
it to you !” 

As Alison remained silent her grandmother continued: 

“You are right, my child, not to answer hastily! 
Listen: I want to extract a promise. Remember 1 am 
dying, let the doctor say what he may. I want you to go 
to Exeford, to work there as you, as Hugh Broderick 
desires, and to follow out such directions as I will leave. 
Do not imagine anything wonderful or mysterious in all 
this; I am not one to do anything of the kind.” A smile 
flickered across her face, and Alison, answering it, shook 
her head. 

“Hand me my dressing-case,” the old lady continued, 
“and I will give you a paper, a memorandum you are to 
read when I am gone. I had meant at first to tell you of 
it; but now, something, Hugh — well, it is best that you 
should receive it from my own hands.” 

Alison silently obeyed; gave the cumbersome old- 
fashioned dressing-case to her grandmother; watched her 
fit the key slowly into the lock, and from an inside case 
take out a document which was in a long law envelope, 
and which, screening it from Alison, she read carefully, 
slowly, to herself and then replaced it, sealing the 
envelope, with a dreary smile. 

“Alison,” she said slowly, “this seal of course means 


102 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


nothing, but your word is everything. Keep this paper. 
When 1 am gone, read it, consult with John Robbins 
about it. Then do as you will find I have asked that you 

should ! If you think I have been hard on you ” She 

paused, stretched out a withered hand, and Alison clasped 
it at once in both of hers. The warm young touch sent 
new life into the dying woman’s veins, her cheeks flushed, 
and her eyes almost brightened. 

“ A solemn trust, Alison, my child ! See that it is kept,” 
she murmured. “God grant I am not too late!” 

Her eyes closed wearily for an instant. She opened 
them to say, “You are sure, my child, you understand 
just what I mean?” and on Alison’s quick pressure of 
her hand, her softly uttered assent, the sick woman said 
quietly: 

“Read now a little while, my dear, some — something — 
not of to-day.” 

It was a scantily accorded permission, but Alison gladly 
took advantage of it to read from her own Testament, and 
then from a volume dear to her in many ways, a little book 
which had been her mother’s, and which, in words so 
simple that their power was felt as beyond all language, 
told the story of Redemption, the hope for every day and 
hour — every instant, if it were only, as the title implied, 
done, felt, suffered, hoped, “All for Jesus.” 

And the woman of the world, lying there, listened in a 
silence that enclosed a lifetime’s thought and feeling — a 
lifetime’s struggle, effort, success, and almost failure. 
What she had striven for so hard had passed awajr, what 
she had missed had come to her, only as life was closing; 
and now, physical powers failing, sight and sense, touch 
and hearing fast giving away, the living stream of human 
life flowing out, narrowing as it reached the great ocean 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


103 


of God’s forever, Rachel Broderick strove with powerless 
hands to stay the course of time but a day, an hour 
longer, that her “ house ” might be “set in order,” the 
watchfires of her soul lighted for the Master’s return — 
so long absent, so long shut out by her own hands from 
the door-way of her heart and soul — what wonder that 
as Alison’s gentle supplications went up beside her, it 
seemed almost too wonderful to the dying woman that lie 
should come at last, speak to her fading senses, her well- 
nigh deaf ears, — to move her lips so long, so coldly, dumb; 
but Alison, as she moved away, making room for Janet and 
the young doctor she had contrived to send for,— the 
physician from Charlier Street, — knew that in full posses- 
sion of her mind, at least, her grandmother realized what 
was taking place; knew clearly that the final summons 
had come at last, the hand no power could stay touched 
hers, bidding her “rise up, and follow.” 

Well done or ill, wasted or garnered, a faithful or a 
truant tenant of the Lord, the hour of reckoning had 
come! 

“I sent for you, as being near,” Alison whispered to 
Dr. Holton, who had been prompt in trying various 
restoratives. “Dr. Morris will be here to-night.” 

The young man shook his head. He and Alison and 
Janet were at the bedside, about to lift the dying woman 
into an easy posture, when with a smile — for Alison, the 
girl was sure — a look full of tenderest and sweetest mean- 
ing, the eyelids quivered and drooped, one long-drawn sigh, 
and the lonely, eager, restless life was ended ! Strange that 
what she had never felt with Mrs. Gildersleeve, her 
companion of years, rushed over Alison now — a wave of 
actual grief, sorrow, deepest compassion, merged into a 
moment all anguish; and the girl, realizing what had 


104 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


happened, flung herself on her knees at the bedside, burst- 
ing into an agony of tears. How utterly friendless, 
utterly alone, once more, poor Alison felt, who could 
guess? But it was no time to give way to personal 
regrets. As Janet led her from the room, whispering a 
word or two of consolation, poor Alison remembered this; 
remembered that life had begun a new chapter, no doubt 
a new struggle for her, and every force of mind and soul 
would be needed to face this uncertain, lonely future. 


CHAPTER XYIT. 


“Any possible service I can render you, Miss Fane, I 
will be only too bappy to perform.” Young Dr. Holton 
was the speaker as he and Alison stood together in the 
dining-room of the quiet house, the morning after Mrs. 
Broderick’s death. The great doctor had been and gone; 
the nurse he had engaged was induced to remain for 
a few hours, and every moment the family was ex- 
pected. Meanwhile, poor Alison had been gathering her 
forces, rousing herself to face this new emergency, only 
too well aware that, with the arrival of her unknown con- 
nections, action would be imperative. And any moment 
now might bring those nearest at hand. How anxiously 
she watched, indeed actually listened for Hugh Brod- 
erick’s coming, she dared not admit, even to herself! 

“Thank you, Dr. Holton,” she said, with a grave smile, 
“you are very kind. Yes, you can be of service at once. 
I wish very much to see a gentleman on business as soon 
as possible. Can you send him to me? and will you call 
yourself, to-morrow? One word more. My friend, your 
patient, Miss Benton; will you let her know what has 
happened? Assure her it will only serve to hasten my 
plans for her. Tell her to keep up good courage until she 
hears from me !” 

The young doctor’s face brightened as she spoke; more 
than ever was he impressed by Alison’s good sense in 
entrusting him with this commission; and he readily 
promised to do her bidding, suggesting a telegram as the 

105 


106 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


best means of reaching the address on the card she handed 
him: “John Robbins, 14 Birch Street, Brooklyn.” 

“The quickest way, that is all,” said Alison, as she 
gave him her hand in parting, “and thank 3*011 so much. 
I will not soon forget your kindness.” 

Alone in the quiet house, Alison and Janet held a long, 
half tearful, but wholly sympathetic conference. Our 
heroine did not hesitate to tell the older woman at once 
of her plan for work in Exeford, her grandmother’s dis- 
tinct wish that it should be so, and before they had dis- 
missed the subject Janet’s mind was made up on one 
point. Not if she could help it, would her “young lady’s 
bairn,” start out alone! If she was bent on this factory 
work, then she would, at least for a time, go with her, 
until she heard from her own kith and kin, now in Cali- 
fornia. It seemed to put the seal of certainty, as of pro- 
tection, on Alison’s enterprise, and her thanks were all old 
Janet needed to dispel her last doubt on the subject. 

“Eh, but she’s a brave bit of a lassie !” thought the old 
woman fondly. “If she’d but been a boy, now! Even 
Master Hugh himself couldn’t have beaten her, I’ll be 
bound!” 

The quiet, mournful day had nearly closed — its dreari- 
ness only marked by the telegrams received from Exeford 
and Exetown heralding family arrivals as well as mess- 
ages from the relatives nearer home — when Alison was 
summoned by Janet to the dining-room, where Mr. Rob- 
bins, looking very pale, but important, was awaiting her. 

Alison had roused herself for all the possible difficulties 
in this meeting, but the really clever, shrewd, and kind- 
hearted little man relieved her mind at once from its chief 
source of anxiety, that it would be hard to make him 
accept her ideas and assist her to act upon a fixed plan. 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


107 


lie was evidently only anxious to meet her more than half 
way; proud of her confidence, of her needing his legal 
advice, which he gave clearly after the first habitual 
“ office” formula, and advised her to deposit the money 
which he held in trust for her — the seven hundred and 
fifty dollars — in some secure bank at first. 

“I am not at all sure, though,” said Alison, “but that 
I will need it all, or the most of it, at once. You had her 
confidence so thoroughly, Mr. Robbins, that you know 
she has left me a fixed mission to perform; and, like almost 
everything else in this world, it will need money.” 

“Very true, Miss,” the little man admitted. “Then, in 
what form shall I hand it over to you?” 

“The way it will be easiest for me to cash, without 
attracting too much attention. Could you get me part of 
it at once?” 

“Why, of course, all of it, Miss Fane! I’ll see to that 
at once. The will, as I understand it, is not to take effect 
for six months.” 

“Yes, but I believe it is to be read, made known, when 
the family meet.” 

Mr. Robbins moved about uneasily. 

“Queer! queer!” he observed, addressing first the ceil- 
ing, then the inside of his derby hat. 

“And meanwhile, Mr. Robbins,” Alison went on, some- 
thing in her quiet voice, her pale but resolute young face, 
impressing her visitor as singularly self-contained for one 
so young and gentle in every way, “I have a paper I 
wish you to keep for me. You will find it sealed securely. 
Keep it in the safest place, until I ask it from you. 
Where will that be?” 

“Why — a — the Trust Company vaults, Miss,” declared 
Robbins, feeling that eccentric as the late Mrs. Broderick 


108 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


had been in life, it might be her death involved compli- 
cations more unnsual than he had suspected. 

“So that any moment I can get at it, but meanwhile 
feel sure it is all safe?” said Alison. 

“Certainly, certainly, of course! I can put it away for 
you, give you the receipt, etc. etc.” 

Alison listened, understood, and fully agreed with him, 
while Mr. Robbins’ own sense of importance grew. His 
chivalry was roused as well; there was something at once 
appealing and fascinating in the position of this young 
girl, and Robbins inwardly decided if he were the arbiter 
of fate her lot should be very different from w T hat it 
appeared to be at present. But then — well, he had enough 
experience of life and law as well to know how seldom 
the victory is to the brave, the race to the strong. 

“They’ll all be on you soon, Miss Fane,” he observed 
presently. “The family, I mean. Mr. Wilks, I believe, is 
the legal gentleman in charge, but” — he looked at her 
earnestly — “may I offer you one piece of advice, coming 
from one who knew your — ahem, knew something of your 
grandmother’s wishes. Keep up! Don’t let any of them 
down you! Down them first!” 

His look was so supremely amusing that Alison was 
forced to smile, but she made haste to assure him he need 
have no fear for her strength of mind in this regard, and 
again thanking him, asked how soon she could expect the 
money, and would he also take a message for her to Mrs. 
Norton. 

She would hear from him early the next day, he 
promised, and with pleasure agreed to take any message, 
while Alison as delicately as possible made it clear that, 
much as she valued his friendliness, in all this she under- 
stood it was also a business matter, and at last accom- 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


109 


plished lier purpose not only of paying for his advice and 
service, but arranging that, on this basis, she should 
always feel at liberty to call upon him. 

“ A perfect lady !” was the little man’s reflection as, their 
conference ended, he prepared to depart; and Alison, left 
alone, sat down for a few moments in the darkened room 
to think on what had passed, and what was to come, to re- 
joice in having, as she fully believed, two stanch friends at 
least, among all connected with her grandmother’s home, 
in Janet Holdsworthy and this kindly little man; while 
further away, yet, somehow, how curiously near she could 
not but feel, there was Broderick himself! oh, the com- 
fort, the repose of seeing, talking to, consulting with 
him again ! 

And at this moment a timid ring at the door-bell 
aroused her. She heard Janet’s step along the- hall, the 
door opened, and a subdued but evidently eager talk go on 
among two or three people. 

“It has begun,” thought Alison, standing up. “Now, 
very soon, I will know, by sight and sound any way, some 
of the people Hugh Broderick told me about. How long 
ago that day seems!” 

Some steps drifted away up the staircase. Then down 
the hall came one the girl was sure she knew! Alison 
started to her feet, ashamed of her own swift, tremulous 
pleasure, as the door opened on Broderick himself; and as 
he took the hand she held out eagerly, clasping it in an 
expressive silence, she said, with tears dangerously near 
her eyes, which were fastened on his face: 

“I am so glad ! so thankful you have come!” 

Broderick’s clasp did not loosen, and as Alison’s head 
drooped he said very gently : 

“I came directly 1 got the message! And, my child, 


110 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


listen to me! Now that I am here, remember I am wholly 
at your service. Will you think of me as though I were 
your brother, to do for you in every way what you want 
or need, and to take any care I can off your mind? 
Remember, I think” — he smiled as she lifted her eyes to 
his face — “we made a very genuine compact of some 
kind, did we not?” 

“ Oh, you have come, anyway,” said Alison, with a sigh ; 
“and I don’t feel, even now, as utterly stranded and 
helpless as I did. See!” she added, moving away to 
resume her seat and look up at him. “I am going to ask 
favors at once !” 

“Go on!” He looked down gravely at the tired young 
face with its feverishly lighted eyes and warm flushed 
cheeks, all betokening, as he well knew, an overstrained 
condition of the nerves. “ But I shall have my say, I think, 
first. If I am here as your elder brother, your friend in 
any way, you must do certain things I bid you. There 
must be rest, sleep, nourishment. We don’t want to have 
the doctor called in.” 

“I will try and obey,” she assented, but there was 
decided nervousness in voice and manner. “But, you see, 
there is so much to be done.” 

“Nonsense! Weak, over-tired people always talk like 
that! No; unless you agree to a certain extent to be 
guided by me, I will let it all alone.” 

“ What am I to do then?” she asked at once, resting her 
head on her hand and looking up at him with a weary 
smile. 

“Put whatever is troubling you into my hands,” he 
said decidedly. “The nearest things first, the matters 
just at hand. What, for instance, was especially worry- 
ing you as I came in?” 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


Ill 


Alison smiled. “The people who I suppose are here 
now,” she admitted frankly. 

“ Ha ! I thought so ! Well, that is easily settled. They 
are not so very formidable, but I advise you to be on your 
dignity, to say as little as you can to them; and remem- 
ber, while I am here I will in a quiet way stand between 
you and them.” 

She raised her head quickly with the little gesture 
Broderick remembered he had been amused and pleased by 
before. 

“Thank you. They are upstairs now, are they not? 
Who is here?” 

“A Mrs. Parkinson — I leave you to judge of her for 
yourself — Mr. Wilks, I believe, you have met or know of; 
Jack Leigh, well, in some ways the best of them all, I 
think, and yet — never mind, you will see them.” 

Alison hesitated again before saying: “And they will 
know at once I am going to Exeford, I suppose?” 

“Yes; and best of all, you will find a stanch friend 
waiting for you! If not actually one of the ‘clan,’ she 
comes so near it that she is the most intimate friend of the 
best among them, and what a friend she can be you will 
speedily find out for yourself.” 

“Is she a relation?” 

“Oh, no!” He laughed shortly. “Poor child! What 
your ideas of family are, you show in your very way of 
saying that word ! She is the daughter of the leading 
physician in the place, Dr. Egerton. If you can make 
friends in that house you need not fear the rest very much. 
Kate, the girl of whom I speak, is a royal creature.” 

“Ah!” exclaimed Alison. “It sounds encouraging; 
but then Zgo, remember, as one of the working classes.” 

He smiled again. “There it is! Exeford will surprise 


112 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


you in certain ways. Glove-making has so long been, so 
to speak, its backbone, that to work or have worked at it 
in some fashion is in or of the history of every family. 
It is only certain of the associations, and the drudgery, 
the commonplace kind of toil I dislike for you.” 

“Never mind,” said Alison lightly. “Oh, I must not 
detain you! They will be sure to need you upstairs.” 

She held her hand out; Broderick smiled, looked at her 
with quiet kindliness, and went away, while Alison’s final 
reflection, if strengthened by their talk, yet had for its 
basis the same unaccountable dread of this first meeting 
with the people among whom her lot for some time to 
come, whether for good or for ill, was unquestionably 
cast! 

But at least she had a background of safety in Brod- 
erick’s undemonstrative, but shrewd, alert kindness. 
How it would be when the workaday world brought them 
together it was hard to predict; but of one thing the 
girl was sure: however the exterior might seem chilled, 
she believed his friendship would never falter, unless act 
of hers repelled, deceived, or disappointed it. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


The dreary-looking parlor seemed almost animated 
when Alison followed Broderick into it by the little party 
gathered there, and who were conversing in those brisk 
whispers far more annoying and certainly quite as demon- 
strative as the ordinary tones of conversation or discus- 
sion, but every one turned now to look at the young girl 
so nearly related to Mrs. Broderick, yet whose position 
was such an anomalous one. 

Mrs. Parkinson, an affable-looking large lady with a 
great deal of manner, which in some way seemed part of 
her crisp, rustling silks, her large, plumed bonnet and eye- 
glasses, moved forward at once, sweeping Alison with her 
glance while Broderick said gravely: 

“May I introduce Miss Fane, Mrs. Broderick’s grand- 
daughter, Mrs Parkinson; and,” glancing at the others, 
who were all equally observant, “Mr. Wilks you know, I 
believe, and Mr. Leigh, I hope you and Miss Fane will 
make friends very quickly,” a suggestion which roused the 
third member of the party, a very handsome, but evidently 
much bored young man of about eight-and-twenty, to 
come forward and say pleasantly: 

“Very glad to meet you, Miss Fane, and give you a 
message from my wife.” 

Alison returned his honest, friendly glance with a swift 
look of pleasure which made her face charming, and as she 
took his hand said something in a low, gentle tone which 
Mrs. Parkinson, failing to hear, that lady put up her glass 
again, saying: “What’s that? Beg pardon, my dear?” 

8 113 


114 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


And Alison could not quite subdue her amusement as she 
answered that it was scarcely worth repeating. 

“Though I’m sure well worth hearing!” said Jack Leigh 
cordially. “Miss Fane was saying that she hoped to find 
a friend in my wife, which she certainly will.” 

“Oh, yes, yes, of course,” said Mrs. Parkinson, in a 
somewhat altered tone, and as Alison drew nearer, and 
Broderick and Leigh began a low-toned conversation with 
Mr. Wilks, she said in an impressive voice : “Very hard 
on you, my dear, I am sure! But there! death has to 
come ! It’s well that you are young, and you look healthy. 
I suppose ” 

Alison, well understanding what it implied, filled in the 
pause. 

“I am glad I am both young and healthy,” she answered 
with a faint smile, but looking with perfect composure on 
her interlocutor. “ They are requisites in what I have to 
undertake, now that I am doubly alone in the world.” 

“Oh, yes, just so,” assented Mrs. Parkinson. “Well, 
my dear, now — an advertisement, they say, is the best.” 

Alison smiled again, but this time with more genuine 
amusement. 

“Oh, I have fortunately secured employment,” she said 
gravely. “I have a friend with whom I am going to 
Exeford, and she understands the work and will help me 
when Mr. Broderick takes me into the mills.” 

“Well, upon my word!” Mrs. Parkinson was really 
surprised; too much so not to -wish to hear more. “You 
are actually going to work there as a paid hand?” 

“Well, I hope I’ll earn my wages,” smiled Alison, 
thoroughly enjoying the situation now. “I can but try, 
and it seems to me better than some other employments.” 

“Oh, no doubt, no doubt,” assented Mrs. Parkinson, 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


115 


feeling decidedly grateful that Exeford was separated by 
nearly a day’s journey from New York. “ Well, my dear, 
I hope you’ll succeed ; but it’s too bad. Your grandmother 
might, I think ” 

“ My grandmother did the best in every way forme,” said 
Alison quickly. “She knew and approved of my plans.” 

“A very headstrong sort of young person, I can see,” 
Mrs. Parkinson was saying a few moments later to Jack 
Leigh, while Broderick claimed Alison’s attention at the 
lower end of the room, where he seemed to be talking 
eagerly and earnestly to her, and her face raised to his 
expressed considerable anxiety. “Not at all the sort of 
girl one would expect! I’m glad I didn’t bring my 
Rachel up with me! Just as well not to begin any 
acquaintance. What ’ll you do about it? Up there, 
right almost in your own town, Jack?” 

“About what?” said Mr. Leigh coolly. “Oh, Miss 
Fane? Why, I expect before a month is out she and 
Aggie ’ll be as chummy as if they’d known each other for 
years and years!” 

After which Mrs. Parkinson, finding nothing to say, 
contented herself by drifting about the room from one 
point to another, examining the heavy old-fashioned 
articles it contained, much as she would have done had 
it been one of the many auction sales she had a mania for 
attending, while young Leigh attached himself to Alison, 
talking eagerly, cordially, best of all with honest hearti- 
ness in everything he said. 

“If your mind is really made up, Miss Fane,” he 
observed, “why, let me tell you, there are worse places 
than Exeford for work ! And your being Mrs. Broderick’s 
gran d d augh ter ” 

Alison smiled. “That won’t help me, I’m afraid, Mr. 


116 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


Leigh,” she said quickly. “I rather agree with Mr. Brod- 
erick in feeling it will go against me. My seeking work of 
itself will prove ray self cut off ; don’t you see what I mean ?” 

“ Ye-es, yes, I suppose so.” He spoke absently, slowly, 
but looking with grave earnestness at the young figure, 
the soft, girlish face before him. “But it may turn out 
better than you think ; and Broderick tells me you are not 
starting out alone.” 

“No, oh, no! To begin with, you know 1 own some 
real estate in your town! Didn’t you know it? A small 
cottage for which I’ve had twenty dollars so far — half a 
year’s rent — then a friend here, quite a competent glove- 
maker, is, I hope, going with me.” 

“Upon my word! So you’ll set up housekeeping?” 

“I hope so; and perhaps, until we are safely launched, 
our old friend here, Mrs. Iloldsworthy, will stay by me. 
She is waiting for some letters before going out West.” 

“Upon my word,” declared Leigh heartily, “ things might 
look worse by a great deal! Well, all I can say is, you’ll 
find a friend in my wife and one in me, come what will.” 

“You are more than kind! I never shall forget it!” 
exclaimed Alison in a low voice, really deeply, profoundly 
moved by the young man’s thoroughly disinterested kind- 
ness. If all went well, how she trusted in the future to 
repay it! and who could tell? Did not the peculiar, unex- 
pected, perplexing circumstances of the past few months 
justify our heroine in thinking the future might include 
events in which their positions could almost be reversed? 
In any case accepting the offer of his good will and friend- 
liness, Alison registered a silent vow never to be unworthy 
of it; to repay it in goodly coin of that honest realm which 
has sincerity and truth for its defence, fidelity for its 
“sign and seal.” 


CHAPTER XIX. 


It was an easy matter, Alison found, to slip into a 
position of almost obscurity among all the newcomers, 
friends (?), relations, etc., who were in possession, since 
it was evident she counted as of no importance to any 
of those who remained all of that dreary day. Brod- 
erick had gone on business to New Jersey; young Leigh 
had “escaped,” as he called it, to some more cheerful 
rendezvous , and Alison, anxious to hear from Hilda Ben- 
ton, too unnerved even for a talk with Janet, busied 
herself in her own room with preparations for a suitable, 
quiet mourning garb, her heart and brain alike occupied, 
while over and through all was that strange feeling of awe 
and wonderment, which the presence of God’s messenger 
in any dwelling must bring, and alone, unobserved, she 
took her own last farewell of her relative, her friend, as 
she now thanked God she could count the one upon whose 
lifeless form she gazed tearfully, affectionately, grate- 
fully, and the “I will be true; with God’s help I will do 
your bidding, grandmother, I promise you,” came audibly 
from her lips as she bade the last real farewell. What 
came later would be merely the outward token that all was 
over. 

And with keenest anxiety she looked for Mr. Robbins’ 
coming, for news from Hilda Benton and the Nortons; 
around these humble friends the wheels of her own life 
seemed now to revolve, and it was characteristic of her 
nature that those who were or might be in any way in need 

117 


118 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


of her seemed at this crisis really to possess the claims of a 
natural tie, while such actual kinship as bound her to any 
of the others affected her not at all. 

Janet, tearless, but with a worn look on her old face 
infinitely touching to Alison, came to summon her down- 
stairs about four o’clock. The faithful Robbins was in 
the dining-room; his face and manner composed to what 
the occasion required ; yet Alison could not help observ- 
ing that in his really conventional decorum was not a 
touch of hypocrisy; it was impossible that he should really 
feel afflicted, but his look, tone, manner, were all what was 
due the actual state of the household, and Alison con- 
trasted it with the solemnity of those eager for the very 
last to be over, and appreciated it accordingly. 

“I got back a trifle sooner than I expected,” he said as 
Alison, after greeting him, sat down evidently anxious for 
his news. “Your friend, the lady in Benton Place, -was 
very sorry — ahem — about any trouble and desired me to 
say she and they all hoped you’d count on them at once for 
anything; and she said particularly, if you felt like it, 
couldn’t you run up there for a night or two after the — all 
is over?” 

Alison caught at the suggestion. “Yes, yes, indeed; 
they are very good. I believe it would be best.” 

“Very nice people, I declare. I saw the young lady of 
the house, I presume?” And he described Molly in glowing 
terms. “I shall certainly avail myself of their friendly 
invitation, and bring my wife and son to call there.” 

Alison bowed in acquiescence. She was thinking anx- 
iously just what to do next, and Mr. Robbins continued: 

“And here is the money, Miss Fane. May I suggest a 
safe place of keeping?” He counted the bills carefully, 
once, twice — produced a receipt which Alison signed, and 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


119 


watched her with anxiety place the amount of her “ for- 
tune,” as she called it, in a little leather case she carried 
in a bag on her belt. 

“It means too much to me to be careless with it,” she 
said gently. “And it has to last a long time, you know.” 

“To be sure; and now then I might mention that Dr. 
Holton is upstairs; he asked me to say he had a message 
from a friend of yours and his.” 

“Oh, will you not bring him down here, Mr. Robbins?” 
asked Alison. “ And stay yourself. There is nothing you 
cannot hear in what I have to talk over with him.” 

And five moments later the young doctor had been sum- 
moned, and Alison, explaining just what Mr. Robbins had 
accomplished for her, listened eagerly for news of her new 
friend, his patient in Charlier Street. 

“You can easily imagine she is both grateful and 
pleased,” the young doctor made haste to say, “and 
desired me to tell you so, Miss Fane, and also that her 
time was yours; whenever you were ready she would be, 
and from our little talk I’m inclined to think that the 
glove-making idea is not so bad a one after all. If I can 
make time to run up and call upon you,” he added, w T ith 
rather a conscious smile, “may I be sure of a welcome?” 

“You may indeed,” returned Alison warmly. “I can’t 
tell you how much more cheerful the future seems with 
this work, and companionship, and housekeeping in pros- 
pect. Yes, indeed, Dr. Holton, you may count upon the 
warmest possible welcome, however humble the place we 
have to receive you in.” 

It was precisely as she said; once more alone, after 
bidding the doctor ask Hilda to make ready at once, 
Alison found new vigor and spirit in the thought of her 
venture, and it was pleasant also to think of a quiet day or 


120 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


two with her friends uptown. It was easy to imagine in 
advance the tenor of what they would say and think, Con- 
jure up of possibilities, romantic, prosaic, and otherwise 
in her present condition, and again Alison remembered 
the acts of genuine kindness and courtesy shown her in 
that busy, good-humored, but really hard-working house- 
hold. After all she had almost too much to be grateful 
for, and if the tiny speck on her horizon — what it "was, or 
might be, Alison would not allow herself to think even — 
obtruded itself too often near the faint silver lining of her 
cloud, the girl had a means of banishing it from view each 
time by the thought of the work which she had actually 
undertaken. 

“Better realize my danger,” she reflected, as a queer 
contraction of the heart annoyed her on only hearing 
Broderick’s name mentioned by old Janet, “than let it 
warp me in judgment or action; and, after all, let me see 
what the new life brings before I make fast any bondage 
of the old one I am leaving.” 

And Alison, who had been standing rather dejectedly in 
the dining-room window, turned sharply and went away 
up to her own room, where all but the very last prepa- 
rations for her own flitting had been made. 


CHAPTER XX. 


“Well, I’m sure!” exclaimed Mrs. Norton, coming 
into her, as usual, well-occupied diniug-room one after- 
noon a day or two later. “You girls don’t need any of 
those trashy novel papers and books you’re always after, 
when stories in real life are going on every day ! Why, 
I’m sure Miss Fane’s history is a first-class tied up and 
labelled romance if there ever was one! And coming 
right back to us, too! Well, she knows a good friend 
when she sees one.” 

“I always said there was the real stuff there, ’’.observed 
Connor, looking up from the first edition of his evening 
paper with a most judicial manner; he had an unusually 
“early” day from his employment. “But what beats me 
is how she didn’t make more out of the old lady!” 

“That’s nothing! She’s a girl bound to win,” said 
Molly eagerly. “ Will she be here soon, did you say, 
mother?” 

Mrs. Norton, who had already given her eldest daughter 
the news Mr. Robbins had imparted, proceeded now to 
exhaust it for the benefit of the rest of the family. Mrs. 
Broderick’s funeral had taken place, and Alison, who it 
seems was going to Exeford shortly, proposed spending a 
day or two with her former friends first. Mrs. Broderick’s 
will, it appeared, had not given universal satisfaction, 
although everyone concerned admitted it might have been 
worse; the old lady being quite capable of founding a 
Hospital for Idiots with the fortune they each and all con- 

121 


122 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


sidered theirs by right. Affairs were to go on as before 
for six months, subject to Mr. Wilks’, the lawyer’s, 
occasional supervision, at the end of which time he could 
make known a codicil in his possession. Just what had 
prompted Mrs. Broderick to so unusual an action was not 
apparent, although, as Connor remarked, it was clear that 
Alison Fane was “settled”; she w T as the only direct bene- 
ficiary, the old lady’s jewels and the sum of $750 having 
been formally left her in care of Mr. John Robbins. This, 
it was easily seen, precluded all idea that there was any- 
thing more in store for her, and Molly might as well stop 
her romancing. 

“Money or no money, she’s a daisy, though!” observed 
Connor as he strolled out of the room, and his mother, 
watching him, half whispered to her nearest daughter it 
would be the making of him “if he’d only take a fancy” 
to their late lodger; and added a regret that, owing to 
Alison’s mourning, she supposed nothing in the way of a 
“treat” could be thought of. 

Meanwhile Alison was already on her way to Benton 
Place; the anxieties, excitement, and even bustle of the 
past few days inclining her more than ever to scenes 
entirely remote from those she was quitting, while she had 
parted from old Janet only on the distinct understanding 
that she would see her in the morning. 

Mr. Wilks had taken everything in charge in the old 
house; a caretaker had been found in a worthy elderly 
couple; and the place was to be virtually closed, and as 
may readily be imagined, the “clan,” as poor Mrs. Brod- 
erick called them, had very quickly dispersed on learning 
what they were, or rather were not, to expect. 

Jack Leigh openly lamented the state of affairs, espe- 
cially leaving “old Gorman” where he was, but it was 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


123 


“clover” to him, so he declared, to carry back news of 
Alison’s determination, and he was sure of Kitty Egerton, 
Broderick, and his own wife as stanch allies of the new 
“hand,” who certainly looked under her soft exterior to 
have all the pluck and vim needed for any enterprise; and 
he could fancy just how calmly but successfully she 
would frustrate any attempt at either being put down 
or patronized. And, unless he was more mistaken than 
usual, there was no lack of fire, passion — all that, combined 
with true womanliness, makes up a temperament at once 
fascinating and powerful — in that slender girl with the 
changeful hazel eyes and lovely childish mouth, who 
carried herself like a princess and had the innocence of a 
Madonna in every word and look. “I wouldn’t -want to 
forfeit her good will or encounter her displeasure, though !” 
thought Jack, summing up his impressions in the .words 
“Trump, I’ll engage she’d be. Looks as if she could 
strike fire enough, if need be! Well, Exeford will seem a 
queer box for her, I expect, after her mode of life in 
Europe and even here !” 

And after the fashion of the world he began wondering 
just what influences had been at work in Alison’s life to 
leave her still “unbespoken!” For that marriage was the 
end and aim of every woman’s existence he, like most of 
his sex, believed a fact not worth disputing! Anything 
else as a career was, of course, as he thought, only for 
the so-called strong-minded sisterhood. And it was 
evident she was heart-whole and unengaged, or the 
fellow would certainly have “shown up” at such a 
crisis. 

Broderick’s departure was hastened by an imperative 
business demand of Gorman’s, but Alison found he had 
thought in various ways of her even in his haste, and 


124 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


she had kept in a very carefully hidden place his brief 
parting note: 

“I will send w r ord to you directly I return about the 
cottage, work, etc. Meanwhile at any moment call upon 
me, and anyway do let me know you are well, not break- 
ing down, even in your decision.” 

“Well, well, my dear!” from Mrs. Norton, “ IIow do 
you do!” and “I declare! well, it seems natural to see 
you!” etc., etc., from the girls, greeted Alison in cheery 
accents as she found herself once more among her former 
friends; tea or supper was already en evidence , the usual 
prompt additions made to the customary meal, Connor 
in his freshest linen and newest blazer put forward, and 
Alison, with more of a home feeling than she had 
thought possible to have anywhere, found herself escorted 
up to her old room, where Molly lingered after the 
others departed, with her own especial budget of news; 
poor Molly had reached the age when she had “atten- 
tion” by prescriptive right, but alas, she had allowed 
her young affections to respond to those of an estimable 
but not particularly brilliant or “forward” young man. 
“Though I’m sure,” declared Molly, as sitting upon 
Alison’s trunk she recounted her most recent disappoint- 
ment in “Billy’s” not getting the situation he had been 
promised, “if goodness and worth were anything nowa- 
days, Miss Fane, Billy ought to be a millionaire! If he 
w 7 as like some of those dudes I’d say serve him right, and 
give him the go by to-morrow; but, no, sir, Billy’s too 
good, that’s the trouble.” 

“Then just be patient and thankful,” declared Alison. 
“O Molly, my dear! ev-en lately I’ve seen enough of the 
mean side of life to think moral worth all that counts!” 
and as best she could, and with consoling success, Alison 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


125 


cheered the girl up, going into a sufficient narration of 
her own affairs to turn Molly’s mind from her perplexities 
and interest her in the new chapter of her present life. 

And so, once more, Alison found herself seated among 
her first friends in the great city, listening as before to 
their small plans and projects, their aims and desires, with 
a queer sense that practical, even prosaic, as the outward 
details of her own affairs might seem, nevertheless there 
was, there would be, a vast amount of machinery within to 
be understood, taken apart, put together, kept in working 
order, before what had become a fixed purpose with her 
now could be accomplished. 

And so the era of what had been in her thoughts a new 
life, begun so short a time before, rounded its first period; 
and Alison, composing herself to sleep in the little room 
she had so lately occupied, could not but feel more and 
more convinced that the guiding hand throughout had 
been Divine, and with that truest of humility, doubt 
of herself in any new turn of the wheel, prayed that 
the same light would shine ahead for her, and all dear to 
her, in places where she feared, nay, knew her steps might 
weaken or falter. 


CHAPTER XXI. 


The 4:30 express from New York to Exeford was ten 
minutes overdue on a certain afternoon early in Septem- 
ber, and Hugh Broderick, walking up and down the plat- 
form of the railway station, had consulted his watch half 
a dozen times with visible impatience before the shrill 
scream of the whistle smote the air; a general rush toward 
the doors and outer platform, and the bustling about of 
porters and trainmen announced that the event of Exe- 
ford ’s day was at hand. 

Broderick w T as quick to see a familiar face in the car 
window, to spring on board, as Alison and her com- 
panions, Hilda Benton and old Janet, came toward the 
door. In the first glance, while he held her hand, Brod- 
erick saw that much of the tired look had gone from 
the girl’s face; she seemed brighter, bonnier, he told 
himself; her winsome sort of look had returned, and that 
she understood the query in his glance it was clear, from 
the way eyes and lips smiled together. 

“Now, then,” said Broderick quickly, “I suppose you 
ladies all want to go, as soon as possible, to your home, 
Miss Fane. I have the key; it’s only a step away, and 
the woman who is in charge has it, as she says, ‘tidied’ 
up. Give me your checks, Miss Fane,” and as Alison did 
so, Broderick walked away and the trio had time to glance 
about this, to Alison at least, wonderful undiscovered 
country. 

The town, as they saw it, lay irregular and yet closely 
126 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


127 


built, with the towers and smoke of innumerable factories, 
encompassed by as fair a country as autumn sun and sky 
ever lighted: rich woodlands belted hills that already 
showed the gorgeous hues of autumn, where the land lay 
level, stretching to an horizon blue as a summer sea, the 
variations of winding roads, hedges deeply green, fields ripe 
and w 7 aving in abundance, orchards proudly laden, and 
over all brooded the soft stillness of the autumn day, — 
the peace of a fruitful, beneficent nature, bountiful in 
what she spread before the eye, gave to the senses, the 
heart, and soul, in this country, which not so long ago a 
tired wanderer from other lands and seas, described as 
“truly a resting place, though belonging to the Red Men 
chiefly,” and a “haven of delight after many perils.” 

The hum and throb of the great mills seemed distant 
sounds, but in some way Alison thrilled in response to what 
their tuneless music sang, and she began to understand a 
little better what Broderick had meant by their “sense of 
power,” their being to him as “arteries of life.” But no 
doubt practical experience would reduce much of all this 
for her to a very commonplace, possibly sordid level. 

“Now, then,” said Broderick, coming back; “it is a 
short walk from the station.” 

He led the way, walking with Hilda while Alison and 
Janet followed, along a plank road, and out into a narrow 
street, evidently belonging to the older part of the town. 
Shops and houses were mingled — in many of these the 
trade of the place seemed to be carried on ; some dwellings 
bearing signs over their doorways which indicated that 
glove-making or leather preparing, in some fashion, was 
carried on within; yardways showed the product of 
the town in various stages of dyeing, tanning, etc., but 
at short intervals were fine dwellings, some really beauti- 


128 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


ful gardens, and every dooryard even seemed to boast its 
owner’s love of flowers. 

Bend Lane was a turning from a busy street; its cot- 
tages were few in number, neat and with trim gardens, 
and our heroine’s ‘‘landed estate,” as she had laughingly 
called it, was on the corner of the Lane, quite detached 
from its neighbors — a small two-storied frame building, 
once painted brown, whose back windows and bit of gar- 
den overlooked a narrow, but quite turbulent bend of the 
river Exe, and beyond it was the rich valley land our fore- 
fathers had enriched and prospered, the hills rising in the 
far distance, blue and golden in the evening light. 

“Now, then, Miss Fane,” said Broderick, fitting the 
key in the door; “you should enter first and bid us 
welcome !” 

Long afterward Alison was, in very different scenes, to 
recall that moment! She could see again the open door 
held back by Broderick; the interior of a simple old- 
fashioned living room, with deep window seats, high 
wainscot, and tall, black-painted mantel; the staircase 
walled in, but leading upstairs at the back directly from 
this room; the kitchen in a sort of L, to the right, the 
windows at the back of which enclosed a picture worthy a 
wider frame, a richer setting, the glimpse of old garden 
beyond; the strange, pervading odor, as of long dried 
rose-leaves — some forgotten perfume of a vanished day — 
all combined in the impression of her new home ; all were 
part of what came to be a sweet, if sad remembrance to 
two at least of the little party; and as Alison, humoring 
Broderick’s fancy, smiled, bowed, and said gayly “Wel- 
come! all of you!” her eyes challenged his to read the 
future for her, but he only answered by motioning them 
to enter, and saying in a more serious tone: 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


129 


“ The woman who has been in charge here lives close 
by; she w T ill attend to anything for you. I will send 
her and perhaps look in later to see how things are going 
on, and prepare you somewhat for to-morrow.” 

He w 7 as gone a moment later and Alison, with the delight 
of a child, turned to Janet and Hilda Burton, laughing 

gayly. 

“Oh, isn’t it delightful!” she exclaimed. “Janet! 
Janet! you must teach us every kind of housekeeping, do 
you hear? I declare, I don’t think a princess in a palace 
ever felt prouder of her home than I do this minute of 
my own little bit of a cottage !” 


9 


CHAPTER XXII. 


The great bell at Gorman’s bad sounded the noon hour 
of temporary dismissal, and the last reverberation had not 
died away before the brick-flagged and w r alled yards were 
the scene of hurry and bustle; men, women, growing boys 
and girls hastening out to take advantage of the time for 
a run home, a bit of “fooling” about, or perhaps to transact 
some necessary business in the town itself. A compara- 
tively small number lingered to eat their noonday meal in 
the now quiet workrooms, and perhaps to add to their 
earnings by a little overtime work, and among this number, 
one day three weeks after their arrival in Exeford, were 
Alison and her companion Hilda Benton, the latter, whose 
employment was in a grade much higher than our hero- 
ine’s, having hastened down at the first stroke of the bell 
to find her friend. 

Alison was standing in one of the windows of a long, 
narrow room, gazing absently upon the courtyard below, 
a pile of cut gloves before her scarcely indicating that 
she had been very industrious during the morning, but as 
Hilda drew near, she smiled like a rebellious child; and 
spreading out her hands, tried to cover up the unfinished 
work. 

Hilda laughed. “I’m afraid Mr. Gray Gorman will be 
even more severe than usual, Alison!” said Hilda, shaking 
her head. “And he is by no means in a very good humor 
any way to-day. He tossed aside a great deal of my work 
as very poor.” 


130 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


131 


“Did be?” said Alison lightly, but there was something 
quick in her tone and eyes. “ Well, I don’t know what he 
will say to mine.” 

The girls were silent for an instant. Alison had opened 
her dainty little luncheon basket and proceeded to share 
its contents with Hilda, while the latter continued in 
rather a constrained tone: 

“ Did he say anything to you about the fair at Exetown ?” 

Alison nodded. “A little; he asked if I — we were 
going.” 

“So he did me,” returned Hilda; “and I answered that 
I only wished we could, and it just now seemed to depend 
upon Janet. However, he told me he thought there was an 
invitation in the air for us.” 

“More of his nonsense!” declared Alison. But she 
added presently: “He may mean that Mrs. Jack Leigh 
intends to invite us. Miss Egerton spoke of that when I 
met her this morning.” 

“They say she gives very fine parties on this occasion.” 

“Yes,” said Alison; “and I should like to go over 
there, I confess, and see the old house, especially the 
music room, if it could come about without Mr. Gray 
Gorman !” 

“ If! Ah! what a world of ifs!” Hilda gazed down 
dejectedly. 

“Nonsense!” laughed Alison. “A world of ifs is a 
world of possibilities! Come, Hilda! We must have 
something to show for our hour. When Mr. Gorman 
came over this morning he remarked that evidently 
I w r asn’t anxious about Saturday night!” 

She took up one of the gloves as she spoke, snipping at 
some loose threads. 

“I wonder whose hand this is destined for?” she said, 


132 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


without lifting her eyes. “Last night I amused myself 
by a long romance of a glove, from the first bit of leather 
down to the time a fair lady drew it over her hand — her 
fingers !” 

“You’d make poetry out of anything!” sighed Hilda. 
“Tell Mr. Broderick that the next time.” 

Alison laughed. “No; our talks have become purely 
scientific. In time he really thinks I may develop 
some ” 

Alison’s voice died away. She looked down resolutely, 
and Hilda, raising her eyes, observed the cause. The very 
well-dressed, indifferent-looking, handsome young “man 
of the mill” as some called him, Mr. Gray Gorman, was 
approaching; his manner its usual mingling of careless 
ease, condescension, and superiority. 

Alison’s glance was uplifted, now coldly fixed upon 
the young man who, just touching but not removing his 
straw hat, said pleasantly: 

“Mrs. Leigh is downstairs, Miss Fane, and would like, 
if you are not too busy, to speak to you.” 

“I am not busy,” said Alison quickly, and sweeping her 
work to one side, “and will be very glad to see her.” 

She paused half a moment to smooth back one or two 
rebellious locks of hair at the mirror tacked against a jut- 
ting beam in the wall, then ran lightly down the two 
narrow flights of stairs, to the room where her hat hung, 
thence out to the roadway at whose curb Mrs. Jack Leigh’s 
pretty phaeton was drawn up. 

Her fair, lovely face with its delicacy of contour and 
rich bloom was in repose, pathetic in its sadness. What- 
ever hint Alison had of the cause, she had made no sign 
on the few occasions of their meeting, although nothing 
in the lives of those she cared for around her was ignored. 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


133 


Something about young Mrs. Leigh had attracted her from 
the first; appealed to her as though she were the older, the 
stronger of the two, and Jack’s wife no doubt was aware 
of it, clung to it, grasping at it as a moral, almost physical 
force. 

“Well, Miss Fane,” she said at once. “Did I disturb 
your labors? Gray — Mr. Gorman — said you were free 
just now.” 

Alison smiled. “I was struggling to make up for lost 
time,” she answered lightly. “But more than pleased of 
this excuse to run away.” 

“I want a favor,” said Agnes, after a barely perceptible 
pause, and, with one little gloved hand resting on the side 
of the phaeton, she leaned forward and spoke more ear- 
nestly. “I want to capture you for two or three days! 
Think of that ! Except for the last — the last Fair day I 
will be all alone; then a great party are coming. I told 
Jack I would not leave until I had your promise.” 

Alison’s first feeling w r as one of unmixed pleasure 'and 
decided acquiescence, but the next moment showed her the 
difficulties in the way. 

“You are more than good!” she exclaimed, her eyes 
lighting as she spoke. “But really, how can I contrive 
it? Do you quite forget my position?” 

Mrs. Jack Leigh’s pretty delicate brows drew together 
petulantly. 

“How often do you require to be told that is not of the 
slightest consequence!” said Mrs. Leigh, with the little 
upward toss of her head characteristic of and rather be- 
coming her piquant flower-like style. “ To begin with, we 
are all hopeless levellers here, as Jack — or was it Hugh 
Broderick— remarked, and besides you being ” 

“Mrs. Broderick’s granddaghter? Oh,” said Alison 


134 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


lightly, “that, you know, was long ago disposed of, when 
it was discovered that my relationship wasn’t worth a 
hundred a year. To be acknowledged as her grand- 
daughter and heiress — I admit that would have set me 
afloat on the best wave of society.” 

“Exetown is not Exeford,” observed Agnes, still some- 
what vexed. “ We are at libert}' to do as we like by right 
of really having family traditions.” 

“Even to the extent of inviting a ‘hand’?” said Alison 
mischievously. “But there! Am 1 not stupid and — beie 
is a better word — to stand arguing your delicate courtesy 
away! There, now ! A few days alone with you is 
enchanting! Am I to yield?” 

“Of course! And I have something really worth offer- 
ing you.” 

“What better do I want than your family party?” 

“Ah ! I am to have the first of the great concert discus- 
sions at Braune House! Think of that! Mr. Ogden- 
tliorpe will be there, and Herr Meyersen! There! I 
thought I had a reserve bait in store, young woman, in 
case you proved refractory! So come prepared, as the 
professor says, for Music — music — and encore music.” 

“Bewitching! glorious!” declared Alison. “ Good-by 
then to gloves and the music of the mills for a time! 
What a queer people you are up here ! Business and culture 
walk hand in hand at every corner!” 

Agnes regarded her friend with a quiet smile for an 
instant in silence. 

“Alison Fane,” she said calmly, not looking at her, but 
slowly flecking the off pony’s ear with her light whip, 
“I never know what to say or think about you ! It is all 
a puzzle! Well, never mind; so long as your very self- 
willed little ladyship has agreed to honor me, I won’t 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


135 


quarrel with, you lest you change your mind, as you are 
quite capable of doing.” 

“No,” said Alison quickly, the soft, serious look on her 
face proving her words. “Such glimpses of Eden come 
too seldom in my way! Ah, no, Mrs. Leigh, you don’t 
know how grateful I am! You are kinder than you 
know !” 

“I’d like to be,” said Jack Leigh’s wife eagerly. “Oh, 
my dear! Well, some day perhaps we’ll know each 
other better, and the kindness, as you call it, will be on 
your side.” 

“If it ever is!” exclaimed Alison, curiously impressed 
by the other’s words and look. “Then remember, I shall 
have a debt to pay you and your husband I can never for- 
get ! I am serious ! I mean it !” 

She laid her hand on the daintily gloved one of her 
friend, and Agnes nodded her head, but did not, could 
not speak. 

“Very well,” she said as last. “Heigh ho! I fancy, 
my dear, I could be a genuine beggar for kindness such as 
yours if I needed it! Well, there goes that horrid bell! 
Remember me to your friend, Miss Benton ; can we not 
have her over on the Fair day? I want you all to myself 
beforehand.” 

“I don’t doubt she would like to come,” said Alison. 
“May I tell her you asked it?” 

“Yes, do; put it as prettily as you like— or shall I write 
a note? Yes, I’ll do that! Now, Alison, — some way I 
forget half the time to say Miss Fane,— remember ! I’ll 
meet you at the depot at one o’clock on Wednesday. 
Don’t dare to fail me!” 

And with a pretty little nod and a snap of her whip Mrs. 
Jack Leigh drove away, leaving Alison to retrace her 


136 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


steps slowly, pleased beyond measure with the prospect of 
a visit to Exetown, Braune House, as the Leighs’ place 
was called, and the charm of such music as she knew could 
be counted on ; the interest in that art being highly culti- 
vated and encouraged in both towns; talent developing 
in a way which was a perennial source of surprise to the 
visitors who flocked to the older town twice a year when 
its now famous musical meetings took place. And the 
Leighs’ house was a distinct centre. The Martinvilles 
had been musical for generations; rumor had it that 
Agnes’ grandmother was a famous public singer in her 
day and that she herself had received tempting offers; 
but be that truth or report only, the fire of the art 
burned strongly in Agnes’ veins, and, although an indif- 
ferent performer on any instrument, she had a voice of 
singular sweetness, highly cultured, and counted upon 
always at these annual concerts, to which all the county, 
as a matter of pride as well as culture and enjoyment, 
floc”ed ; no doings in the outer world affecting them as 
of half the importance belonging to their own special 
festivals. 

Alison retraced her steps, thoroughly pleased by what 
was in store for her; yet not liking to leave Hilda alone, 
especially as her friend was inclined to take the saddest 
view of all outer circumstances; a trait Alison was per- 
petually making war upon, and almost wishing some great 
crisis would occur in Hilda’s life which, rousing her out 
of her dreamy, half moody fits of abstraction, might bring 
to the surface the real grit, endurance, and fine spirit she 
felt sure the girl possessed. 

“ Never mind; Janet will look after her, and I will 
devote myself to amusing her when she comes over,” 
thought Alison, as she turned to run up the narrow stair- 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


137 


case, unconsciously humming an air half under her breath 
until a polite, “1 beg your pardon, Miss Fane,” made her 
look up suddenly to see Mr. Gray Gorman moving, rather 
crowding himself back, to make way for her. But Alison, 
with the little inward shiver she was apt to feel in his 
presence, only said coldly: “These stairs are absurdly 
narrow, Mr. Gorman,” and went on her way, quite uncon- 
scious that the “young man of the mill” went on his way, 
vexed, disconcerted, with renewed determination to “bring 
her down. And yet,” he was forced to admit to himself, 
“there’s something — I don’t know what to call it — exas- 
perating, or fascinating, is it, about the very way that 
girl snubs one ! I wonder what she’d be like if she was — 
well, liked a fellow?” 

“Hilda,” Alison exclaimed directly she had rejoined her 
companion, “here’s a treat in store! Fancy going over to 
Braune House for a Fair day!” 

And as Hilda listened, brightened, really seemed quite 
excited over the prospect, Alison felt more than ever grate- 
ful to Jack’s sweet young wife, who meanwhile was driving 
her ponies up the main street, observed, commented on by 
many, for the Leigh “turnouts” were always studied and 
admired when they appeared in Exetown’s sister village, 
as some of the older people still called the busy factory 
town. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


“Aren’t you early, Agnes? The train isn’t due until 
one o’clock, you know.” 

Young Leigh put down his morning paper, standing up 
with his unfailing, if rather cold courtesy, to hold the door 
open for his wife. 

It was the morning of Alison’s intended visit, and at 
breakfast Mrs. Leigh had announced her intention of 
meeting their guest at the station herself, after which she 
could attend to some household matters in the town. But, 
as the distance from Braune House to the station v r as less 
than a mile, twelve o’clock was decidedly early to start. 

“Never mind,” Agnes answered carelessly; “I have 
some business in town to attend to.” 

“Suit yourself,” said Jack, in his good-humored way. 
He assisted her into the dainty little carriage, saw to it 
that the duster protected her pretty mull draperies and 
pale blue ribbons, and — for a moment Agnes almost fan- 
cied he meant to kiss her good-by! 

But it was evident such “silliness” was no part what- 
ever of Mr. Leigh’s programme. Nor, indeed, fair as his 
young wife looked sitting there with all the glory of the 
summer morning falling about her graceful figure and 
delicate, lovely face, did such an idea occur to him. 
Agnes’ good looks, her exquisite taste in dress, her refine- 
ment, above all, that touch of hauteur which she could 
show even to him, all pleased, satisfied him as did the fine, 
well-chosen, perfectly comme-il-f aut style of his house, 

138 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


130 


liis pictures and statuary. Bad taste was inexcus- 
able to Jack Leigh. That in any way Agnes was 
incapable of it made her valuable to him; was any 
deeper feeling worth bothering, striving for? “Good 
form” was Agnes’ hall mark in everything, a fact doubly 
to be rejoiced over, since there was so strong a current of 
Bohemianism in her veins from the “singing” people, as 
their old housekeeper called her grandparents. 

It was early for the train, but Agnes had been quite cor- 
rect in saying she had business to attend to, and her first 
direction was to an old street in the town, where at a small 
music store she alighted, and going in inquired if “Celia” 
was at home. 

The youth in attendance, after an instant’s admiring 
inspection of the tall, exquisitely dressed lady, nodded his 
head, and going to a side door, bawled: 

“Cele! Isay, Cele! Come down, can’t yer?” 

And on Agnes saying quickly if Celia was upstairs she 
would go up herself, he held open the door and watched 
his visitor run up the steep flight of steps, and knock at 
the door upon which they ended abruptly. 

It was speedily opened. A girl of twenty-five or six, 
tall, largely built, plain-looking save for a pair of wonder- 
ful, luminous dark eyes, appeared, her face glowing with 
pleasure, but: 

“Oh, Mrs. Leigh!” was her only comment as she led the 
way into a large sitting-room, the principal furniture of 
which consisted of two pianos, a small reed organ, and a 
bookcase laden with music. 

“Celia,” said her visitor at once, declining the chair 
offered, “I want your assistance in two or three days. 
Are you going to be very busy the Fair days?” 

“ Well, not so very,” said the dark-eyed, admiring Celia. 


140 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


“I want somebody for accompaniments during to- 
morrow; well, from to-night on for a few days at 
Braune House. Can’t you undertake it? You must come 
early, and be ready to practise between times if you’re 
needed. I)o, now, Celia! I shan’t believe you care 
really to make and save any money for the future if you 
won’t.” 

“Oh, I’ll go gladly enough if Bertbold will spare 
me,” said the girl. “I’d like it, Mrs. Leigh, money or 
not.” 

“He must spare you!” said the young mistress of 
Braune House decidedly. “If that is all; and, Celia,” — 
she lowered her voice, — “I want you to do something else. 
I want you to make good friends with a new friend of 
mine. You’ll meet her when you come. Now, Celia, is 
it a bargain?” 

It was, but as Mrs. Leigh, well pleased, was about to 
leave, Celia said suddenly : 

“Oh, I quite forgot! Here is a letter which came to 
my care for you.” 

And, with apparently not the slightest curiosity or 
surprise, the young girl handed her friend an envelope 
addressed in plain, bold characters. 

A deep flush overspread Agnes’ face as she took, 
opened, and hurriedly glanced at the letter. She tried to 
feel deeply annoyed. She was vexed, yet there was one 
cause for satisfaction to her in the letter. It gave a 
weapon into her hands which she might, nay, doubtless 
icoiild , need in the very foolish, ill-advised action she was 
planning, and once in the phaeton again she drew the 
letter out of her pocket and re-read it. 

It was only a few lines, but a dozen pages could have 
said no more. 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


141 


“I can’t possibly get over to Exetown this morning,” 
wrote Gray Gorman in liis bold, easy hand. “You know 
I would if I could, but business, etc., etc. However, I’ll 
see you as soon as possible and discuss a great deal. 
There is something of importance to yourself in every way 
which you ought to know. I venture to send this letter 
to Celia Kane’s care, hoping you’ll get it promptly. You 
need not answer. Better run no risk. 

“G. G.” 

For an instant Agnes hesitated. Then tearing the note 
into minute fragments she flung them to the wind, and 
sighed deeply, bitterly. A look of infinite weariness came 
into her face, and oddly enough, in the long-drawn sigh that 
came from her heart to her lips was the half audible sound 
of her husband’s name! Was it breathed as a talisman 
against danger, or only the natural impulse of her passion- 
ate, loving, unasked for young heart? Whichever it 
might be the very sound seemed to bring her to a quieter, 
softer humor. She turned her horses into the roadway 
near the station and alighted in a frame of mind which she 
meant to be only bright and cheerfully expectant of her 
favored guest. 

Half a dozen acquaintances were on the platform. 
Young Mrs. Leigh’s arrival was the signal for much dis- 
cussion of the Fair and the forthcoming festival, and there 
was the usual display of musical knowledge, brave use of 
technical terms, etc., which characterizes one type of the 
amateur who belongs to a “society and Agnes listened, 
answered, approved, or dissented as the case might be, in 
a perfectly well-bred, kindly fashion, and then, as the 
train came rushing along, explained she was down to meet 
a special friend. 


142 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


“But, oh, Mrs. Leigh, you -will be at the rehearsal 
to-day, of course!” exclaimed the young Exetown doctor’s 
wife imploringly. 

“Of course!” said Agnes lightly. “Don’t I always do 
my duty?” 

She smiled and moved away, leaving her friends to 
wonder who the new arrival might be, and as Alison 
appeared, and a really cordial, almost affectionate greeting 
ensued, the “wonder grew,” while Alison on her part only 
glanced briefly about her, the delightful sense of having left 
factory work behind her, of being with a friend, a hostess, 
in every way so congenial as Agnes was sure to prove, 
acted like a very tonic upon her, and her answers to all 
Agnes had to say came from smiling lips, in her brightest, 
happiest voice. 

“Now, then, my dear,” said Mrs. Leigh, as they 
clattered up the hilly street, “I’m going to be good- 
natured enough to ‘put you up,’ as the boys say, to a 
point or two before we are home. You must know that 
husband of mine has — well, a mania, I call it, for our old 
home! He’s nothing if not historical, genealogical, etc., 
on the subject! You mustn’t let him bore you, only per- 
haps you can be a little bit interested. It’s a long time 
since he captured a perfectly new listener and sightseer 
like yourself.” 

“Thanks for suggesting it,” said Alison; “and he’ll 
have his reward in finding someone really and truly 
interested ! Old houses always fascinated me, far more 
than most of such things, for they speak of lives and times 
together, don’t they?” 

“ Ye-es,” said Agnes indifferently. “ Perhaps I care less 
because — well, other things in everyday life have so long 
seemed absorbing. And, anyway, I don’t think,” she 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


113 


added, "with a little quick shrug of the shoulders, “I ever 
cared much for Braune House.” 

They had left the hilly street with its mingling of old 
and new architecture behind them, but at its hint of 
widening into the real country the gates of Braune House 
came into view. An avenue of stately poplars curved past 
a lawn of richest green, a garden of unusual brilliance 
and variety of color, and led with a fine sweep to the steps 
of a mansion which Alison could well fancy belonged to 
an historic past. The entrance was imposing, the massive 
walls of Dutch brick were pierced by rows of windows, 
many of which were half veiled in ivy, and the door was 
no sooner opened than an impression of something like 
magnificence was given by the first glimpse of the entrance 
hall. 

A floor of rich dark woods, a space fit for a royal 
dance, gave the sense of width and nobility of proportion 
so attractive in the entrance way of any house, while the 
staircase, curving away at the back, led to a gallery which 
must be traversed to reach the upper rooms; below there 
were half a dozen doubly panelled doors, and furniture of 
a heavy, solid, but comfortable style, tables littered with 
books and papers, etc., all made it look what it was — a sort 
of household rendezvous; while glass doors at the upper 
end led into very elaborate conservatories, just now 
devoted to special greeneries and forcing boxes, the spray, 
delicate, but widely flung, of a fountain adding pictur- 
esqueness, grace, and a delicate mtisic to the charm of 
what Alison thought as beautiful a picture as eye could 
desire. 

Agnes, accustomed to the rhapsodies of strangers, 
whether visitors or tourists, was pleased by Alison’s speak- 
ing silence. 


144 


ALISON’ 8 ADVENTURES. 


“ It is a fine old place,” she said lightly, but only answer- 
ing her guest’s expression. “I suppose I’m — well, per- 
haps, a little tired of it!” 

“It is charming,” declared Alison, looking about her 
with increasing pleasure, “and what you have done is all 
in good taste; the dark red of the drapery, that dull blue, 
the touches of green damask, such beautiful dark woods! 
And that conservatory, Mrs. Leigh, looks as though con- 
jured up by magic!” 

A curious look flitted across the other’s proud, pale face. 

“It was!” she said softly. “If only the magician had 
not stayed his wand! It was — my welcome home,” she 
added, with a smile, “from my husband. Jack had it 
built because, when I came here on a visit one time, I 
said the old hall needed it! I for one could never like 
it without such a background of living green and 
blossom.” 

“Delightful!” said Alison. “No wonder Mr. Leigh 
has poetry in his nature.” 

“ Poetry ?” echoed Agnes. “Well, yes; Jack has more 
of it really than he knows himself!” 

She had touched a silver bell on entering, and as she 
spoke, a tall, sedate-looking middle-aged woman came 
from the swing-door to the left, and as she looked from 
her mistress to the new guest, Alison, in one of her swift 
fancies, decided she disliked or distrusted her. But when 
Mrs. Leigh said in her careless way: “Mrs. Macneil, this 
lady, Miss Fane, will have the brown room, you know,” 
and added: “Miss Fane, Mrs. Macneil is my housekeeper,” 
Alison concluded that the reason of her dislike lay in the 
fact that no doubt Mrs. Macneil was one of that class of 
servants who consider it necessary to show their authority, 
their dignity, their position of trust by an imposing and 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


145 


rather supercilious manner. Agnes, however, went on at 
once in the same indifferent tone : 

“Iwdll take Miss Fane upstairs. 1 rang to have you 
attend to her things; and you can have lunch sent in at 
once. Come now, Miss Fane,” she continued, with a 
brighter look; “however I may abuse it, I really do 
delight in showing our old house to a person like your 
very naughty little self!” 

An impulsive pressure of her arm, a gay smile and nod 
of the head accompanied the words, and, leading the way, 
Agnes went up the beautiful old staircase, her white-clad 
figure with its delicate laces and blue ribbons, her charm- 
ing, proudly uplifted head giving just the one touch of 
animation it needed to make the picture perfect; and 
Alison, following, wondered again whence the root of what 
was surely eating into the core of her friend’s generous 
and noble young nature. Some spell was at work, some 
cloud brooded over what was a nature meant for giving 
and receiving only warmth and sunshine. 

“I wish I knew,” thought Alison; “or at least enough 
to try and help! She is exquisitely lovely and sensitive, 
I am sure, but there is something all wrong !” 


10 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


The rooms prepared for Alison certainly showed that 
the young mistress of the house had not only considered 
her guest’s comfort but chosen to give her welcome a 
peculiar importance; they were at the upper end of the 
hall, fronting the poplar-lined drive and beautiful old 
lawn, and contained every comfort and modern conven- 
ience with solidity in furniture, dark wainscot, etc., 
which marked the period of the old house’s first decade. 
The sleeping-room was lighted by three windows, hung in 
blue chintz and white muslin; the furniture of shining 
dark mahogany with heavy brass handles and ornaments, 
the polished floor, richly colored rugs, high mantel and 
great fireplace all made the room worthy its history, 
while adjoining was the daintiest of dressing-rooms full of 
modern touches, from the blue chintz and muslin draperies 
to the cool matting, china with rosebuds on a pale blue 
ground, and furniture of lightest bamboo. It was a room 
to idle in as well as in which to make a very dainty 
toilet. A tall cheval glass with a w T hite frame reflected 
the figures of the two young people as they entered, wdiile 
on the wall above the prettily draped table a triple-sided 
mirror gave endless suggestions for the coiffure. Flowers 
appeared everywhere generously distributed ; a great bowl 
of blue china on the table held roses of the deepest crim- 
son, and on the low white wood mantel were glasses in 
which yellow lilies with their deep green leaves gave a 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


147 


perfect “finish” to the tone of the charming room. Every- 
thing bore the touch of a skilled, delicate hand and nature; 
Alison understood at once whose it was, and her excla- 
mations of delight were approval and admiration for 
Agnes’ exquisite good taste. 

She looked — the young mistress of the house — singularly 
young, delicate, and wonderfully interesting as she stood 
in the deep embrasure of a window, while Alison with 
unaffected pleasure looked at, examined, criticised every- 
thing. 

“See, Miss Fane — well, Alison, then, if you say so,” she 
said at last, and opening a door of the dressing-room half 
hidden by a bamboo portiere; “I am close by you. This 
is my own favorite little den;” she showed a very pretty, 
dainty little boudoir full of feminine knick-knacks, char- 
acteristic trifles, and some really fine works of art. “This 
is my very particular private room. Is not Jack good to 
me?” she added, with the same peculiar constraint of man- 
ner. “ Only last year, while I chanced to be laid up for a 
fortnight, he had it all done over. It was after our — my 
trouble,” she added in a lower tone, and, as Alison looked 
a sympathetic inquiry, she continued a trifle hurriedly, 
“It was after baby died. Poor little Blossom! I had 
hoped for so much if she had lived.” 

There was a brief pause, and she went on still in the 
same half mechanical fashion: 

“She was delicate from the moment of her birth, and it 
was only by our incessant watching that she lived her poor 
little life of ten months. She was exquisitely, wonder- 
fully beautiful, and that I knew Jack was so proud of! 
And you can’t think how she simply adored him ! At first 
I thought I must have died too! I could not give her up; 
but do you know I often look back longingly to those 


148 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


days now! I. cannot tell you liow tender, how dear he 
was !” 

The girl’s sweet eyes were turned upon Alison with 
tears half dimming them, and Alison understood! All 
unconsciously drawn to her new friend by some curiously 
subtle bond, Jack’s wife had disclosed her pitiful, yet, oh, 
how honorable secret! She was in love, really, and alas, it 
seemed vainly, with her courteous, well-bred, indifferent 
husband! In the misery of seeing that tiny little life 
which was so dear to her in her heart sadness, her splendid 
loneliness, go out, fade from her, she had been comforted, 
sustained, so that she recalled those days, to use her own 
words, “longingly,” because in them, through that heart- 
breaking trial, Jack — her husband, the father of her poor 
little girl — had been “so good to her,” at last so “tender,” 
so “dear,” in all her grief! Could story of rejected love 
be sadder! thought Alison; or what were the trials of a 
girl whose fancy is not returned by the object of her 
choice compared to the misery of the wife ignored or 
uncared for by the one whom she has heard vow to cherish 
and protect her until death did them part! 

“And — she was your only child?” said Alison gently. 

Agnes bowed her head silently. In a moment, drawing 
a long sigh, she continued: 

“ Of course I could not expect Jack to feel it at all as I 
did, and men, you know, get over such things very soon; 
and now I don’t think he likes me even to speak of it — and 
of course I never do — but I’ll show you her picture and 
her little things some day. I look at them very often, and 
I like to think of what she would be having now, my little 
baby ! but perhaps — there,” she broke off suddenly and said 
with a quick change of tone: “Come, come, my dear! 
Jack will be dreadfully put out with us. Now don’t be 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


149 


long at your looking-glass, for luncheon must be quite 
ready, and my young man, like all his kind, is desperately 
cross when he’s hungry !” 

She left Alison in her own dainty room again, and if, a 
few moments later, when she tapped on the door for her, 
the eyes of Jack’s young wife showed traces of recent 
weeping, she was wonderfully bright and cheerful in man- 
ner, and as they went downstairs to find Mr. Leigh, just as 
Agnes had predicted, quite ready to be wrathful if longer 
delayed, Alison found it impossible to realize that the 
cool, rather languid, but perfectly self-possessed woman 
who listened, talked, and laughed, like one with no 
deeper thought than the amusement or occupation of the 
moment, was, could be, the same who half an hour before 
had seemed only the heart-wrung, desolate, bereaved 
young mother. And Jack, Mr. Leigh, evidently considered 
his wife very entertaining and good-natured, and entirely 
forgot to mention that he had a pressing engagement for 
the afternoon. 

It came out when, after luncheon, Agnes mentioned that 
she thought of taking Alison down to the Hall for the re- 
hearsal and supposed he would be there. 

“Well, I’m not sure,” said Jack, in evident perplexity. 
“You see, I half promised Tasia Mordaunt to let her try 
Red Rover ” 

“ Oh, of course, then !” Agnes’ brows contracted, but she 
moved away and turned over one or two odd articles on 
the table, apparently searching for something. “ But isn’t 
Mrs. Mordaunt coming to the Hall herself?” 

“That’s so,” declared Leigh cheerfully. “Why, then 
I’ll bring her over there instead! Yes, of course, my 
dear, I’ll meet you and Miss Fane, but I may be a trifle 
late.” 


150 


ALISON' 8 ADVENTURES. 


He nodded good-humoredly, and sauntered off in the 
direction of the library, while just for an instant, like a 
flash of lightning, gone as it came, Agnes’ eyes sought 
Alison’s with a strange, wretched look in them, to which 
no w T ords were, or needed to be added! 


CHAPTER XXV. 


“Now then, my dear,” said Agnes cheerfully to her 
guest, “you will see our friends en masse and singly, 
and I want you to admit that we do very well — we sister 
towns — for of course Exeford and Exetown combine. I 
never can understand why the musical resources of our 
own country are not better understood and appreciated.” 

It was not worth while to drive to the Town Hall where 
the rehearsal was to take place; the walk was just enough 
to invigorate the two girls, bringing some color into 
Agnes’ usually pale cheeks and giving a sparkle to her 
eyes. She chatted so brightly all the time that Alison 
found it hard to remember the wretchedness she had seen 
in eyes and lips, heard in the tones of her friend’s voice so 
short a time before, and wondered if so deep a heartache 
as she had suspected could exist, but perhaps she dreaded 
silence, which gave time and room for thought, for 
scrutiny, and the critical opinion of on-lookers. 

The Hall was a fine one, devoid of any theatrical advan- 
tages, but the stage was large, places for the choruses at 
each side ample, and the conductor, a very energetic and 
agreeable-looking man, was already at his desk, talking 
right and left, now and then bringing his baton down with 
a rap-rap-rap to emphasize his opinions, while more than 
one of his chorus apparently sought him to relate some 
grievance. 

“I’d rather dig potatoes than drill amateurs,” declared 
Agnes, as they walked up the aisle. “Poor Mr. Ogden- 

151 


152 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


thorpe! He ought to know us by this time! It is always 
the same old argument. Heigh-ho! I think I’ll take to 
the real thing, Alison; the dear, honest, capable, stupid, 
intelligent, paying public. You must tell me,” she added 
suddenly, with a quick glance in her eyes; “just what you 
think of my voice. No flattery now, remember!” 

“I won’t flatter, any way,” promised Alison, and at this 
moment the conductor, recognizing Mrs. Leigh, moved 
forward, and bent over to offer a friendly hand and to greet 
her with the sense of relief which the master finds in the 
arrival of a safe, reliable pupil and ally. 

A few moments later and all places were filled. The 
company was unquestionably a good one; the faces refined 
and intelligent for the most part, and the pianist having 
struck a few opening chords the first chorus began. 

It was just as this number was nearly finished that a 
step, a rustle near where she was sitting caused Alison to 
turn suddenly and find herself face to face with her good- 
humored host, Jack Leigh, and a tall, queenly-looking, 
dark-haired woman, whose faultless toilet of black lace 
was relieved only by the deep red roses in her small, close- 
fitting little bonnet, and the one natural flower with 
darkest green leaves at her bosom, which Jack with 
prompt gallantry had just shown her was in danger of fall- 
ing and politely assisted her to make secure. 

Alison, with a curious, baffled, disheartened feeling, saw, 
almost without looking, the glance which shot from the 
woman’s soft, beautiful dark eyes, as she half raised their 
deeply fringed lids while Jack looked at her with a smile 
and nod as his little act of courtesy was extended. She 
was like some dangerous siren to Alison’s pure, frank 
young mind; beautiful, no doubt, but utterly devoid of 
soul! And in the next moment, in a half whisper, the 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


153 


young master of Braune House was presenting “Mrs. Mor- 
daunt” to bis wife’s'“ particular friend, Miss Fane.” 

Alison bowed, smiled a pretty acknowledgment of the 
compliment at Jack, and was conscious that the young 
widow was, to use a vulgar but expressive phrase, thor- 
oughly “taking her in” through those half-veiled, beau- 
tiful dark eyes. It lent courage and animation to her 
feeling and manner, and she made haste to sweep away 
her book, parasol, etc., and indicate a place for the new- 
comer at her side. 

“You have just arrived, Mr. Leigh tells me,” Mrs. Mor- 
daunt said in a cool, self-possessed voice and with a very 
critical glance at Alison, inclusive, and it was easily felt, 
unfriendly. 

“Yes; that is, this morning. You sing, I believe? 
Ah !” she added quickly, and leaning forward to smile at 
Jack; “there is Agnes!” 

It was the first important solo; and Agnes sang it with 
her lovely face uplifted, her star-like eyes fixed on some 
point beyond that which would have revealed her husband 
and his companions, but Alison knew she saw them; 
guessed that her voice, clear as a bird’s, soft, sweet as a 
child’s, then full and rich in breadth and compass, took 
on its note of exquisite, pathetic meaning, because of one 
face, one presence in her audience. 

“Bravo!” half whispered Jack, as, Agnes’ solo ended, he 
turned with an approving nod toward his companions. 
“How is that, Miss Fane?” 

“Beautiful!” half whispered Alison. Mrs. Mordaunt 
nodded her head and smiled. “Yes, it is good,” she 
admitted; “better than I expected, for I heard Mrs. Leigh 
was not feeling at all well, and the voice is such a sympa- 
thetic friend in our little heartaches!” She finished her 


154 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


sentence, shaking her head and smiling at Jack. “You 
must have been trying to be a better boy for a day or 
two,” she murmured with a half laugh. “Your wife looks 
quite bright again.” 

“Don’t talk nonsense, Tasia!” Jack returned, also in as 
low a tone as was compatible with good manners. “ She 
is always bright — too bright, I tell her, for she overtaxes 
her strength;” and with what was evidently a sudden 
impulse young Leigh rose, excused himself hastily, and to 
Alison’s great satisfaction a moment later was at his 
wife’s side, saying something evidently pleasing to her, 
since the lovely fair face colored, the eyes brightened, and 
a dimpling smile was bestowed upon him, Agnes’ hand 
resting half an instant on his arm while she answered. 
For an instant only; something dispelled the childlike 
sweetness of Agnes’ expression; a little frown, a shrug of 
her shoulders came instead. She shook her head in answer 
to some remark of Jack’s and moved coldly away, Jack 
after a moment’s hesitation rejoining his companion in a 
moody sort of silence which Mrs. Mordaunt was deter- 
mined to dispel, it was clear, since she talked, smiled per- 
sistently at his side until at last, as though resigning him- 
self to the “good at hand,” he brightened and an animated 
talk ensued, the last of which, as Mrs. Mordaunt moved 
away, in response to a call from the conductor, was Jack’s 
saying: 

“Five o’clock, then?” and her answer was a quick little 
nod and “Exactly; I’ll not forget,” floated back as she 
moved with a careless, superb sort of grace toward the 
platform. 

“Now, then,” said Jack, drawing nearer to Alison, 
“you will hear the best voice in the whole affair!” 

And as the first notes of the solo, the aria of arias from 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


155 


“Semiramide,” floated out Alison confessed herself spell- 
bound by the witchery of a voice far less sweet and pure 
than that of Agnes Leigh, by no means so birdlike in its 
quality, yet possessed of the nameless power which makes 
some voices, like some people, a power, magnetic, irre- 
sistible, wholly independent of one’s calm, critical, even 
scientific judgment; for by no rule could this voice of 
Tasia Mordaunt be criticised or judged. It was like the 
spell of an enchantress, and Alison, striving to shake off 
its power, was really glad when the last notes died away, 
and the applause of the little audience covered her own 
rather ungracious silence. 

A great deal of desultory practice followed; bits w T ere 
gone over and over, a buzz of talk was indulged in from 
time to time, and at last the session was pronounced ended, 
and in a general, talkative, good-humored confusion every- 
one prepared to depart. 

“You and Miss Fane can get home all right, I suppose, 
Agnes,” said Jack lightly. “I’ll be along later.” 

“Oh, of course!” said Agnes, in a perfectly cold, mean- 
ingless way. She stood an instant as though rooted to the 
spot, then suddenly turning toward her companion said 
quickly: “Come on, my dear, and you won’t mind stop- 
ping in at Craige’s, the bookseller’s, a moment?” 

Alison could only follow, though infinitely disturbed by 
the feverish manner Agnes took no pains to conceal. Her 
purchase was only a card and an envelope, and detaching 
the little pencil from other trinkets on her chatelaine she 
wrote a few lines hurriedly, sealed, addressed the letter, 
and swept Alison along with her to the next building, in 
which was the post-office, where a stamp was purchased, 
and the letter, whatever it might contain, dropped in the 
town delivery window. It had all occupied barely ten 


156 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


minutes and Alison as they went out once more upon the 
street was wondering what sudden impulse her friend had 
acted upon, when Agnes, looking up at the fair, cloud- 
flecked sky and drawing a quick breath, said, in a strange, 
troubled voice: 

“It is all a game of cross-purposes, this life of ours! 
Heavens, Alison! what I would give for a week, a day 
even, out of one bit of the past!” 

“ Why not lay siege to storm the present !” exclaimed 
Alison. . “Come, Agnes! What are you trying to do? 
Cheat yourself? or play a blind-fold game with to-day 
and to-morrow, as Hugh Broderick says.” 

“Broderick!” echoed Agnes quickly. “He need not 
dispense maxims so easily! He doesn’t live on theory, I 
assure you.” 

“No,” said Alison calmly. “I should not think he did! 
He is the last one I fancy to do so.” 

“And yet,” said Agnes, quite as eagerly, “he can lay 
down a rule and follow it! He has been pretty steadily 
keeping to one particular line of action !” 

Alison dared not betray too much interest, but she said 
“Indeed?” very quickly, and Agnes went on: 

“Everyone can see that it might any minute be a match 
between him and Kitty Egerton, dear little girl, and of 
course it will come right in the end, but he has something 
to settle first at the mills. An invention, I believe. He 
is not one to go empty-handed to any woman!” 

Alison felt a cold weight settling upon her as — not per- 
haps for the first time — this position of Hugh Broderick’s 
was suggested to her mind. This it was then which “ kept 
him back!” He had his ideal, he had found it in the doc- 
tor’s bright, winsome little daughter, but: 

“There is always something,” she forced herself to 


ALISON' 8 ADVENTURES. 


157 


speak as easily as possible. “ Do married people, I wonder, 
ever look back, talk over the days of doubt, fear, inde- 
cision, which belong, I should think, to every courtship! 
How delightful to be at one’s ‘ain fireside’ with one you 
have cared for, and talk over those old anxious, wondering 
days !” 

Agnes said nothing for an instant, but studied her com- 
panion’s profile earnestly. 

“You know, then, even if it is only theory, that compan- 
ionship is the only basis for married happiness! Fancy 

what love is like without it But, Alison — well, I will 

not be rude enough to ask questions, only, my dear, when 
you want to talk, just of yourself, you’ll find a very willing 
listener. In some way, I can’t describe it, my dear, you 
both restand inspire me!” She ended with her lovely, if 
half scornful smile. 

“Ah!” exclaimed Alison very eagerly; “only let me 
help! and remember how much a true woman’s friendship 
would be to me !” 

“A true woman’s!” said Agnes gently. “Am I that, 
my dear?” 

Alison looked at her intently. 

“Yes!” she said slowly, gravely; “you are— you will 
be. But courage, dear, and as you can,” she spoke in a 
low, very gentle voice, “ask better, higher help than 
mine!” 

Agnes did not attempt to answer, nor did her expres- 
sion change; but her silence, the absolute rigidity of her 
features, told that some problem was working in her 
mind. Alas! alas! that the environment should have been 
so completely human, the misery so much a part of self, 
the temptation so seductive to the spirit now keenly 
aroused in Leigh’s hitherto tranquil young wife ! She felt 


158 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


as if a weapon had been put into her hands. The question 
was fast becoming not whether, but how best, at least 
with what satisfaction to herself, and humiliation to 
others, to use it! 

The entrance gates of Braune House roused both Agnes 
and Alison from their revery. There was again the feel- 
ing of pleasure, not unmixed with some excitement, the 
enterprise of a new experience in Alison’s mind as they 
went up to the wide door-way, and were admitted into 
the house by the well-trained servant, who politely called 
Mrs. Leigh’s attention to cards and letters received in her 
absence. She glanced at them carelessly, opening and 
flinging them down on the little table until she came to 
one which she read, and re-read, a color flaming into her 
delicate cheeks, angrily, proudly scarlet. 

“So!” she exclaimed, lifting flashing eyes to Alison’s. 
“My dear,” she added hurriedly, and thrusting the letter 
into the bosom of her dress, “consider yourself well off 
just at this moment that life, society, friendship, make no 
demands upon you! Good Heavens! If I were only — • 
for one brief week' — day — a man!” 

“What then?” said Alison, startled by something in 
Mrs. Leigh’s expression, yet fascinated by the look of 
power, pride, it gave her slight form and pale young face. 

“What then?” she echoed in a low voice, tense with 
feeling. “ I would show the world what women — some 
women — were and could be ; women for whom men seem so 
ready to barter their honor and their happiness!” 

She paused, leaned her hand on the mantel, and bent her 
head an instant upon it. 

“Here,” she said suddenly, and drawing the letter from 
its hiding-place, “I know I can trust you! Read that, 
and tell me what you think.” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


159 


Slowly, reluctantly Alison perused the few lines on 
thick white paper, which desired Mrs. Leigh to take some 
steps to avoid an open scandal, since the infatuation of 
her husband for the lovely Mrs. M. was town talk and 
gossip. 

“I think,” said Alison slowly, “that it merits what all 
anonymous 'communications should receive — silent con- 
tempt.” 

“No,” said Agnes thoughtfully; “not in this case, 
for,” she lowered her eyes, ashamed of the admission, 
“there is, alas! some foundation, some truth,” she added, 
almost in a whisper. 

“Then show it at once to your husband !” exclaimed 
Alison. “Indeed, my first thought was that, and the 
best.” 

“No,” said Agnes, still speaking almost as though to 
herself. “ It would only put him — them — on their guard !” 

“ What !” exclaimed Alison ; “ surely you cannot believe 
such a thing, Agnes!” 

Agnes turned her face toward her now, and Alison saw 
with swift compassion that hot tears quivered on her 
lashes. 

“Believe it!” she said piteously. “O Alison! If I 
dared, if I could do otherwise ! And how, how shall I lead 
him back! For that is my last, my only hope.” 

“Then it will, it must come, my dearest friend!” cried 
Alison, taking both of the other’s cold little hands in hers. 
“If that is your feeling then all must, all will be well !” 

“No,” answered Agnes, in the same dreary tone she had 
used before; “I am losing that hope; I am losing all feel- 
ing perhaps, and trying to want — revenge !” 

“Agnes!” exclaimed Alison eagerly, “think ” 

“ Hush !” said her companion suddenly. “ There is Mrs. 


160 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


Macneil! I am never safe with that woman! But having 
been Jack’s nurse she claims the privileges of ” 

She broke off, glancing coldly at the housekeeper as she 
approached. 

“Well, Mrs. Macneil,” she said quietly. “What now?” 

“Will Mr. John” — her usual way of referring to the 
master of the house — “be home for dinner, ma’am?” 

“I really cannot tell you,” said Agnes steadily, and 
looking straight into the housekeeper’s sedate, expression- 
less face; “I hardly think so. He is just now at Mrs. 
Mordaunt’s, and will likely remain ; so that Miss Fane and 
I will not wait.” 

And glancing at Alison she moved toward the staircase, 
leading the way slowly up the dark, beautiful old stair- 
case to her dainty, many-mirrored dressing-room, where, 
with a sigh, and a light shrug of her shoulders, she flung 
herself into a great easy-chair and half consciously tossed 
the flowers drooping in her belt into the wicker waste 
basket close at hand. 

“Well, Alison,” she said suddenly, with a little laugh. 
“No more of my tragics— heroics ! They are not in my 
line, I’m sure ! Come now, let us see what we shall wear 
for the party here after the concert. I assure you that is 
of far more importance than my lacerated — pride, just at 
present.” 


CHAPTER XXVI. 


The morning of the concert dawned brightly enough 
to satisfy all connected with it, and breakfast over, 
Agnes and Alison devoted two hours to decorating the 
lower rooms with the abundant flowers Braune House gar- 
dens could offer for such a purpose, Agnes observing, as 
• they worked, that Jack wanted everything to be particu- 
larly fine on this occasion, as he was expecting a Washing- 
ton man of some importance as a special guest. 

“And I assure you,” said Mrs. Leigh, as she busied her- 
self selecting, from a number, certain long, feathery ferns 
for a slender vase; “that young man of mine sees every- 
thing. Even though he is so chary in marks of approval, 
he knows what is lacking quickly enough!” 

The old house lent itself charmingly to such intention, 
and Alison fairly reveled in the work with her rich 
materials at hand. Agnes had gone away for a half hour, 
as she explained, to “interview and collaborate” with the 
cook, and Alison, in a sort of recess in the library, was occu- 
pied arranging crimson roses in a huge bowl of palest green 
glaze when footsteps and voices along the hall startled 
her, and she raised her eyes from the heap of blossoms and 
deep foliage to behold Broderick’s figure, Broderick’s face, 
quiet, but smiling and curiously contented in expression, 
watching her! 

She did not, could not, speak! Agnes, just behind him, 
laughed. 

“Isn’t this a surprise!” she said, ushering their unex- 
11 161 


162 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


pected visitor in, while Alison came forward from behind 
the table, wondering if the hot wave of color she felt rush- 
ing to her face was as evident to those looking on; and 
Broderick, provokingly cool, and yet with that amused 
smile of his, held out his hand. 

“We owe this visit to business with my husband,” 
Agnes went on. “So Mr. Broderick very impolitely 
informed me. He is only here for an hour or two, he 
says, so we must make the most of him. Oh, he didn’t 
say that, but of course he means it! And, Alison, will 
you play chatelaine while I try and coax Mrs. Macneil to 
hurry our lunch a little?” 

Alison was awaj-e that the instant they were alone Brod- 
erick’s light manner gave way to a look of very earnest 
inquiry; and his quick, “Well, Miss Fane, how goes it?” 
uttered in his kindliest tone, was easy to answer. 

“Delightfully! Such a house! Such people! It is 
almost too perfect !” 

“I knew you would enjoy it,” he said, resting his arm 
on the mantel and gazing down at her, nodding his head 
w r ith satisfaction. “Do you know, just as you sit there, 
you make a wonderfully good — w r hat do artists say — 
effect?” 

The girl laughed with pleasure. 

“Do I?” she said, that delicious sense of companionship 
which belonged to all intercourse between them springing 
up at once, and harmonizing all elements. “This room 
would lend itself to anything with good effect. Agnes — 
Mrs. Leigh — is a genius, I assure you.” 

“Poor girl!” He spoke involuntarily, then looked 
vexed. “She lost her only child, you know,” he added. 
There was a pause, and Broderick said quietly: “By the 
way, your friend Miss Benton desired me to tell you for 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


163 


lier she really preferred the quiet day and evening at 
home; so you were not to look for her.” 

“What!” exclaimed Alison. “And I did expect her! 
Is she ill, Mr. Broderick?” 

“No, no! She begged you would not think of such a 
thing. She is only tired, she says, poor girl, of all the 
factory noise and bustle.” 

“Ah!” declared Alison, “she is not strong enough for 
it. I — it must be stopped !” 

Broderick looked gravely, fixedly at the girl as she 
spoke. What a power, an unused force, a strength there 
was, he fancied, in that young creature; how much as yet 
undeveloped was suggested in every line of her face, her 
figure, voice, and gesture, all full of meaning. 

“Unfortunate!}’,” said Broderick, “where there is bread 
to win some must toil! I admit your friend is unequal 
to the task of life set her. Little Kitty Egerton has dis- 
covered that!” He smiled. 

“She has the doctor’s instincts,” said Alison, with that 
unaccountable feeling Kitty’s name on his lips produced. 
“ W r hen I go back I will consult Miss Kitty as to what can 
best be done.” 

“Do!” he spoke decidedly. “Kate is one in a thousand, 
and for all her impetuous ways has a cool enough little 
head about her, I assure you ; and she will be a very use- 
ful ally. You look wonderfully well yourself,” he added 
rather abruptly; “or is it the reflection of the crimson 
chair? I fancied you have more color than usual.” 

She sprang up, and laughingly placed herself against the 
wall facing him, whose green tones showed her innocent 
of any but the soft bit of color that came and went at his 
■words. 

“ So much for effects !” she declared archly, looking up 


164 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


at his watchful face. “Now, am I dying of consumption, 
or ready for the ball? ,, 

He smiled half sadly. “You are — yourself,” he said, 
with a tone in which there was certainly some regret; 
“what you will always be, come what may, nothing else, 
neither better nor worse! Simply yourself — Alison Fane 
— there it is!” 

“Come now!” cried Alison, shaking her finger at him; 
“that is a way to compliment a hard-working, self- 
supporting girl. As a young person of my acquaintance 
once said: ‘Plow can I be Mary Smith all my life when 
there’s Hiram Bowers a-waiting?’ I mean,” she added 
hurriedly, as Broderick’s brows were arched and his smile 
very provoking; “there is always the possible Hiram 
Bowers, is there not, in one’s maiden lot?” 

“Precisely! And how it does seem to affect calcula- 
tions — aspirations ” 

“And reduce one’s best energies!” put in Alison, who 
felt decidedly vexed at the turn — “silly,” she called it — • 
the conversation through her fault had taken. “I assure 
you, Mr. Broderick, I have had very different things 
occupying my mind of late! And to-morrow! Presto! 
Cinderella will doff her finery and go back to everyday 
life again.” 

“Thank Heaven!” he ejaculated. 

“I wonder,” she said slowly, “if I will ever amount 
to anything as one of your ‘hands,’ Mr. Broderick?” 

“I doubt it.” 

“Why so?” He laughed and swept the luxurious, 
many-hued room with an expressive glance. 

“You amount to too much here,” he said gravely. 

“I know!” exclaimed the girl, her soft eyes kindling. 
“You think one cannot combine honest toil, good work, 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


165 


with love of form and color, sweetness of sound. Oh, 
what a mistake! Don’t you, can’t you see how they can 
harmonize? Think of the double lesson of use and beauty 
nature is teaching us every day, and then answer me, 
please, what weakness is there in combining our poor little 
effects harmoniously? Is it, for instance, wrong to care 
more for this bit of wood” — she laid one of her slim young 
hands on the black ebony of a shelf near her — “because it 
has been richly polished by some skilled craftsman whose 
toil it represents?” She smiled softty. “ And these yellow 
flowers, see how exquisitely they show their tones in that 
misty Venetian bowl ! Oh, come now 7 , Mr. Broderick ! If 
I am a weak-minded lover of the beautiful, you are arro- 
gant, and weak too, in despising it!” 

He laughed. “Upon my word,” he said quickly; “if I 
had only known what I could rouse and hear, 1 would have 
challenged you to an argument long ago! Meet me, 
though, on fair ground ! Observe, I never said, never even 
intimated, 1 despised these things! May not my pulses 
quicken quite as readily as yours to something as much a 
part of what you call the beautiful as your glossiest ebony 
or richest colored flower? It is you who are arrogant, I 
think, in limiting the boundaries of Avhat is to be admired 
to a few chairs and so many yards of velvet ! My horizon, 
I assure you, seems a very much wider one!” 

“My chairs and yards of color, as you call them,” 
declared Alison; “are only suggestions.” 

“And my belief in the grand schemes of life, the power, 
the will, the right to do and be, may look gaunt and bare 
beside your ideals of the picturesque, but they are, in my 
eyes at least, beautiful as all the gardens of the Orient, 
and they represent a universe— man’s need, his impetus, 
work, achievement. They cover a great, never ending, all- 


166 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


suggestive scheme of the Creator, carried out by the 
creature! Remember I am putting prosaic things in a 
sublunary way, simply to show you my droning machinery 
has its grand poetic meaning. I like all this” — he waved 
his hand toward the objects nearest them. “If I had my 
way, my ideal life, it might be ten hours a day of work 
among my fellow-men in all its prosaic and yet vast detail; 
the rest — here !” 

A smile, half sad, half weary, touched his lips, and 
Alison, ashamed of her apparent inability to understand 
the grand simplicity of the man, said softly: 

“You can teach me a line, inspiring sort of doctrine! 
Don’t despair of me as a pupil!” She lifted her face and 
looked at him with an exquisite sort of shyness. “I never 
knew,” she went on ; “how much I had, I could learn, until 
I met you! And, Mr. Broderick,” she drew nearer. 
“Don’t give me up! You can help me, and I need it!” 

“jT/” said Broderick, in a low, vibrant tone, gazing 
searehingly down. “It would be a strange world if I gave 
you up, unasked! Have I so much, do you think, my 
child, in my lonely life that I would forego the pleasure 
of — may I call it the friendship, you offer! Am I so rich, 
so royal a being socially as that?” 

Alison had moved back a little; her heart was beating 
swiftly with its impulse to say something which was on 
her mind, but beating against her very heart-strings; and 
with an effort which made her pale to the lips, and the 
objects in the beautiful room for an instant dim before her 
eyes, she said in a low tone: 

“You are so blind! In all this time — all your life at 
Exeford — have you never seen the prize your life rnio-ht 
have, can now include?” 

There was dead silence for an instant between them; 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


167 


and it seemed to Alison as though he must hear those slow, 
great throbs of her heart, must know what this was cost- 
ing her! Meanwhile Broderick, without moving a muscle, 
looked at her fixedly. 

“What?” he said at last in a harsh, dull tone. 

“A man never values the love of the best woman, it is 
said,” she w r ent on slowly, some fascination keeping her 
eyes fixed on his face. “ Why not put your fate to the 
test? Kate — Kitty Egerton ” 

She broke off because of the strange look which sprang 
into his face; just what it implied she could not under- 
stand, and already she felt half alarmed and dismayed at 
having gone so far, but Broderick apparently realized her 
difficulty, and not releasing her from his intent gaze said 
calmly : 

“If 3'ou are mistaken, and I think you are, I thank you 
all the same for having made the suggestion.” 

There was a pause during which, while Alison looked 
nervously away from him, she heard him draw a long 
breath, almost of pain. 

“We are in a fair way of keeping our compact — you 
remember it? — rather too closely if we order each other’s 
lives in this fashion,” he said presently, and with an easy 
assumption of cheerfulness. “However, there is, there 
must be, always an inner core no one but one’s self can 
ever reach, something ‘never written, never sung’ — and 
yet the essence of real companionship surely lies in accept- 
ing this understanding that it exists — and in that way 
sympathizing with it without asking to know more.” 

Alison was silent. Presently Broderick went on, the 
queer look of pain she had only once or twice seen there 
darkening his eyes. 

“It is in that — what shall we say— solitude of the soul 


168 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


we work out our best problems. Then comes the moment 
when we seek, crave for the one human, kindred spirit — is 
it not — who shall hear our results, our hopes, ideas, and 
understand what must have gone before !” 

He smiled down upon the girl, whose face was still pale, 
and very grave in its expression. 

“And if — we have no such one!” 

“Ah!” said Broderick quickly; “God help us! That 
comes to more than one of us, Alison, every day! But 
better that than the ashes of a mistaken trust, the coldness 
of a fire that has burned itself all out. And I maintain 
that life still holds in itself enough to work with, work 
for, even by such a cheerless hearthstone.” 

“Perhaps,” said Alison slowly. She looked at his 
grave, strong face earnestly, wondering if he had indeed 
reduced feeling to such a cold, practical, and cheerless 
level, but his smile answered her; it seemed to forbid the 
subject any further discussion, and Alison, just a little 
nettled and annoyed, gave a light shrug to her shoulders 
and moved away from the becoming drapery of pale green, 
saying carelessly: “After this when I want calm* cold, 
useful philosophy, I shall come to you! I believe you 
could chill me with one sentence.” 

“Shall I answer that?” he returned quickly. “No; I 
will leave what I might say to your imagination, which I 
think is quite active enough without words of mine.” 

Alison opened her lips to speak, but the portihre was 
moved and Agnes, very bright and evidently in a cheery 
frame of mind, appeared, simultaneously with the announce- 
ment luncheon was ready. Jack’s voice in the hall, his 
prompt appearance, and welcome of their guest effectually 
ended what had been, to Alison at least, a most tantalizing 
tete-d-tcte , and as she took her place opposite Broderick, 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


169 


at the luxuriously appointed table, she was most disagree- 
ably conscious both of having acquitted herself very 
badly, and that he seemed to have entirely dismissed the 
matter from his mind, entering eagerly into “shop” talk 
with their host, showing his keen, masterly view of mill 
affairs in a way that would have astonished anyone who 
thought of him merely as one of Gorman’s hands, and 
rousing Jack into an unusual degree of eloquence in com- 
bating some of his guest’s opinions which evidently 
interested Agnes keenly. What would she not have 
given, poor girl, to have called up an equal amount of 
fire or even animation in her own conversations with 
him, which of late had become such mere abstract 
exchange of necessary remarks on matters of social or 
home importance which could not be otherwise decided? 
More than once Agnes asked herself whether she had, and 
was going the right way to work, and when Jack, insist- 
ing there was time, carried Broderick off to the library to 
show him a new drawing of machinery which had been 
sent in, Agnes turned to Alison with a little sigh and 
smile together: 

“How well those two talk!” she exclaimed. “Jack is 
always surprising me! Of course one may expect any- 
thing of a head like Broderick’s. By the way , I could not 
help noticing one or two little things to-day which make 
me surer than ever the man is bred a gentleman.” 

“Born or bred — or however — he is one!” said Alison 
almost angrily; “and I declare, although I could not help 
seeing how admirably he became his surroundings, yet I 
think I like him quite as well in his workshop at the mills !” 

“Ah, but you, you,” cried Agnes, playfully pinching 
her companion’s soft little cheek; “you are such a hope- 
less democrat!” 


170 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES . 


“You know nothing about it,” cried Alison, with her 
gayest laugh. “I have been called cursed with fastidious- 
ness, now then, by your very high and mighty Mr. Brod- 
erick . himself. Yes, my dear, those were his words, in 
one of his positively rare fits of temper.” 

“Upon my word! I’d really like to know the occasion.” 

“Oh, you are welcome to it! I refused absolutely and 
entirely to wear a particularly hideous drab apron he was 
obliging enough to get me my first day in the factory. I 
said it would take all the animation out of my work. For 
an instant he simply stared, then laughed, and then said 
that.” 

“And the apron?” 

“Oh, I never wore it, of course. I did without for that 
day and brought a black one — very sedate and business- 
like looking — the next day. lie sniffed, but he didn’t say 
anything. Oh” — Alison broke off to laugh gleefully, 
and continued with a very pretty color — “a day or two 
later he came in to the workroom with a black silk cap he 
wears pushed back on his head, in a really most becoming 
fashion. Short as he keeps his hair it will wave, you 
know, Agnes, and I was looking at it, and thinking my 
gentleman didn’t know how ‘fetching,’ as Mr. Leigh says, 
he appeared, when he observed dryly that he supposed were 
I in his place I wouldn’t wear such a cap for worlds, and 
I remarked it was well he was so keen a mind reader! Do 
you know, Agnes, although of course he wouldn’t admit 
it — grand mogul that he wishes to be — it really did vex 
him, and I had to admire his pluck in never budging it off 
his curly head, for we all know what man’s vanity is. He 
wears it straight along!” 

“He is a peculiar combination,” said Agnes. “I admit 
I’d give much to discover the weak places in his armor, 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


m 


for of course they exist, and then pierce them through and 
through. What a magnificent spectacle he’d be thor- 
oughly in love !” 

Alison, with the flicker of a smile, shook her head. 

“I don’t think so,” she answered; “simply because he 
wouldn’t betray it at all!” 

“He would, some way,” declared Agnes. “Come, there 
they are, Alison. Well, Mr. Broderick, so you can’t 
really stay any longer?” 

But Broderick declared himself a trifle late as it was. 
If, in bidding her good-by, he held Alison’s cool little fin- 
gers half an instant longer than those of their hostess, it 
was only to say: 

“Now don’t worry about your friend. I promise to 
notify you if she is ill. Go ahead, enjoy yourself, and 
come back with that color in your cheeks — if only to 
glove-making J” 

And then, the two girls watching him from the door- 
way, Broderick, with Jack Leigh at his side, went down 
the poplar-lined avenue, once just half turning his head 
back in Alison’s direction. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 


Everything was excitement and pleasurable confusion 
for the next hour. Celia Kane, with an immense roll of 
music, appeared early and indicated a good place for the 
piano in the long drawing-room, objecting to Agnes’ first 
suggestion of the hall; most of the principals, very 
important, talkative, or rather discursive, arrived next, 
and Alison, who was well aware of what Agnes was feel- 
ing even while she flitted about exchanging pleasant words 
here and there, listening most attentively to all Mr. Ogden- 
thorpe had to say and altering certain trifles at his sugges- 
tion, found herself waiting, as she well knew Agnes was, 
Mrs. Mordaunt’s arrival. It so chanced, however, that 
Tasia appeared with half a dozen others, and the greetings 
were general. Mr. Leigh was not present, and Mr. Ogden- 
thorpe, directly his other favored “prima donna” was en 
evidence , rushed everyone to business. Celia’s value 
was apparent at once. In her quiet, if heavy, methodical 
way, she reduced whatever was confused to system, and 
in a short time the spirit of music infected everyone. 
Mrs. Mordaunt, after a superb rendering of her principal 
solo, drifted away from the piano with a languid acknowl- 
edgment of the professor’s “Brava,” and approached 
Alison, who was at once inwardly on the alert, and pre- 
pared to do battle! Some curious, antagonistic feeling 
possessing her directly the young widow came within her 
orbit ! 

“Dear Miss Fane,” she said in her gentle, half drawling 

172 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


173 


voice, “won’t you be very, very good and let me have a 
cup of tea up in your room? My poor head is nearly 
wild ! And I want to be bright this evening!” 

It was of course impossible to refuse such a request, and 
Alison could only explain it to Agnes, conduct the languid 
Tasia up to her dainty bower, and allow her to make 
herself charmingly picturesque as well as comfortable 
in a deep, chintz-covered lounging chair. A wood fire 
crackling on the hearth sent up cheerful flame and color, 
the servant who carried in the tea tray instinctively 
acknowledged the importance of Alison’s beautiful guest 
by drawing the round table near to where she was seated 
and arranging the dainty little goul'ee with a view to 
her especial comfort and convenience, while Alison declin- 
ing all but a cup of the fragrant “Japan” itself, put her 
cup down on a large table at a distance and made a pre- 
tence of picking out some stitches in a bit of fancy-work 
on hand, well aware that Tasia had a motive in the tete-d- 
tete which would come out quicker if she “forced her 
hand ” by silently keeping her own. 

“Are you always busy?” Mrs Mordaunt said finally. 

Alison looked up, laughed, and shook her head. “Oh, 
no! I merely keep a bit of this work about as an accom- 
paniment to thought when I’m discussing something with 
myself, though I enjoy some kinds of sewing greatly.” 

“And you are ‘discussing,’ as you call it, considerably, 
I imagine.” 

“ I am !” 

“Dear me! I wish I had ahead like yours! Now I 
have to fall back upon other people’s wits when I need 
counsel, or indeed,” sighed Tasia; “when I need to even 
understand other people !” 

“What a pity!” observed Alison dryly. She pondered 


174 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


a moment liow best to hasten wliat was evidently to be the 
denouement of all this preamble. “Are you solving any 
problems just now?” 

Tasia laughed. Low and musical as her voice was, there 
was a note in her laughter which jarred directly upon 
Alison’s nerves and made her, as she said, “only comba- 
tive” again. 

“Yes; I am trying to,” Mrs. Mordaunt said, evidently a 
trifle nettled by her companion’s tone or manner. “Just 
now, Miss Fane, you interest me as a problem — you see 
I am willing to be frank — 'as a peculiar addition altogether 
to this harmonious household! Don’t look indignant; 
not yet, any way. Believe me, it will be just as well to 
understand each other!” She sat upright now, leaning her 
elbow on the chair, her cheek on her hand, and looked at 
Alison with a cool, deliberate expression in w T hich there 
was something Alison shrank from, yet confessed gave 
this woman her peculiar power, nerve, whatever that may 
be called which is wholly lacking in anything of the 
heart, yet dangerously, cleverly in harmony with the 
head — the powers of the mind. 

“You are the friend, the champion, let us say, of our 
poor dear Agnes! Don’t you think now you might 
advise her to be a trifle more judicious than she is just at 
present? Ah! I see you understand me !” Tasia laughed, 
a little silvery ripple whose sound reached no further than 
the room-door itself. “ My dear child, do you know that I, 
woman of the world that I am, would give, I dare not say 
how much, for your spirit and your capacity for an honest 
blush!” She half stifled a yawn, rose, gazed deliberately, 
coolly at herself in the hanging mirror, then turned back 
as she continued: “I daren’t say how long it is since 
anything but vexation, anger, perhaps, made me change 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


175 


color like that! And it is so captivating! so fresli and 
youthful.” 

Alison made no answer except by a very faint smile, and 
her guest, flinging herself into the deep easy-chair again, 
went on : 

“1 am — let me see — twenty — twenty-seven years of age. 
Don’t say anything, I know I don’t look it. I never will 
look my age, I suppose. Nevertheless, such is the fact, 
and I assure you, my dear child, for at least twenty years 
of my life I have been in search of sensations !” 

Alison laughed, really, merrily, and with unaffected 
amusement. 

“What a career!” she exclaimed. “Positively you are 
worth listening to! Think of starting out at — when did 
you say — seven years of age in search of what any four- 
wheel cab could have produced by running over you!” 

“Nonsense! Are you really such a prosaic little creat- 
ure! I don’t believe it! I’ve wanted something to 
amuse, interest, stimulate me. Above all things I’ve 
always wanted whatever was unattainable.” 

“Good Heavens!” exclaimed Alison, quite serious 
enough now. “That is of all creeds, if one may call it so, 
the most objectionable, disheartening, foolish, and weak ! 
What! you simply care for what you cannot — or shall I 
say,” the girl’s gray eyes flashed a queer look upon her 
companion, “what you should not have?” 

A brief pause, during which neither glance wavered; 
then Tasia, with a little sorrowful lift of her head, said 
calmly : 

“Precisely! There is one satisfaction in talking to 
you: you neither mince matters nor are you slow to 
understand.” 

“ Thanks !” 


176 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


“ Exactly ! My life has been, people say, a — well, bril- 
liant one. I’d sketch it for you, but perhaps ray w^ay of 
doing it would frighten such a little bundle of feelings and 
•Puritanism mixed as you are! However, briefly speak- 
ing, let me tell you what it has been in a general way: 
My parents w T ere society people, not at all well enough off 
to keep up the sort of appearances they considered due 
their position, and I assure you it was a wild sort of a 
scramble at times to be up to the mark when really poor 
dad — he was the best-hearted creature on earth — owed 
every tradesman who would or had trusted him for a 
farthing. Jack’s aunt, or uncle rather, w 7 as his creditor on 
more occasions than one, and I assure you the old man 
knew how to turn the screws on at the right moment for 
his own advantage! When I think of some of the ways in 
which the Fairfax money was made I — well! never mind. 
However, we girls, my sister Bess and I, were taught 
from the earliest hour we could understand the lesson that 
Money — all in capitals — must be obtained by marriage! 
Poor little Bess! She hadn’t a bit of pluck — no kind of 
stamina! Our revered Grandmamma Willets could crush 
anything like opposition out of her in a moment, and when 
she, poor child, fell in love with Dick Ilarriman, who 
hadn’t a penny, nor more than an ounce of brains, there 
was such a time that I can assure you, my child, I 
trembled when I thought of every extra dance or soft word 
I’d given Peter Knowlton, the best-looking, best-natured 
fellow in the world — except Jack Leigh, perhaps, who 
was about at the time as well, but not in the market. If 
Jack had — well, never mind. Poor little Bessie’s tragic 
love affair completely frightened me out of indulging in 
anything of the kind ” 

As Mrs. Mordaunt paused, Alison, who in spite of all 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


177 


repulsion for her companion’s absolutely heartless way of 
recalling the past, had a natural, girlish interest in the 
story said: “Did she marry him then?” and Tasia, with 
a half sigh, continued: 

“Oh, yes! and they were very properly miserable. 
They ran away, at least walked out and got married the 
very day of the Vandorns’ famous ball, and were there as 
innocent-looking as you please that evening, and no one 
the wiser! Only when we came down to breakfast in the 
morning — very late, of course — there was no Miss Bessie ! 
Only the conventional little letter saying good-by, etc., 
and how much she loved her husband, and hoped we’d all 
very soon be good friends! Poor Bess! spelling never 
was her forte, and I remember how we laughed over two or 
three of the most important words in that artless effusion. 
Well, I mustn’t keep you here all day; of course we didn’t 
entirely throw them over; to begin with, it would have 
made too much talk — but we never could pretend to 
approve in any way — and Bess! why, in two years’ time 
you wouldn’t have known her!” 

“In what way?” 

“Why, my dear, she simply settled down into — why, 
just into Dick Harriman’s wife!” 

Alison really gave vent to an unrestrained laugh. 

“Misguided young Bessie!” she exclaimed. 

“ Why, I wish you could have seen them,” declared her 
companion, the corners of her exquisite mouth curving in 
scorn at the recollection. “They had a poky little flat! 
They had a — well, apology for a maid of all work, and 
when I think how careful Bess used to be of her hands! I 
assure you they were red from actual housework. I actu- 
ally believe she cooked and scrubbed. Sometimes they 
didn’t have the green creature of a girl at all, and no 
12 


118 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


nurse for her baby when it was a month old ! Of course 
they never went anywhere! How could they?” 

“And, I suppose,” observed Alison; “they were very 
unhappy and he abused her, of course, and she became 
fretful and thin, like the poor foolish wives in story-books 
who marry for love.” 

Mrs. Mordaunt laughed. “I wish I knew just how to 
take you, Alison Fane,” she said, w'ith a shrewd look. 
“No, I can’t say Bessie’s health or spirits suffered much, 
and Dick Harriman couldn’t abuse any created, living 
thing! Oh, no, it wasn’t that; they’re jogging along in 
their own dull kind of way yet — poor Bess!” 

Alison did not answer, and the shadow on Mrs. Mor- 
daunt’s face deepened again as she continued : 

“Well, then, you can quite understand what would have 
been the result of my setting up an opinion when Mr. 
Mordaunt appeared. And really,” she added, with a very 
dispassionate manner, “I might have done a great deal 
w ? orse ! His age was about all there was positively against 
him. Of course Grandma Willets had both her old eyes 
very wide open, and when Mr. Mordaunt gave her a judi- 
cious hint she sent for me. I knew perfectly well what 
was coming. Except on our regulation duty visits we 
never went to see grandmamma unless for a talking to — 
or a talking at, you might better say. So I was all pre- 
pared for my little court of investigation. I made up my 
mind, however, I’d get some fun out of it, so for a while 
I parried and- bluffed her, and wouldn’t see what she w’as 
at. Then when I forced her to come right to the point and 
tell me that Mr. Mordaunt had ‘led her to infer,’ etc., his 
intentions, I hemmed and hawed, and said I’d have to 
think it over, and he mustn’t hurry me, and then — upon 
my word, she is a wonderfully shrewd woman — grand- 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


1 79 

mamma looked at me very fixedly and said dryly that there 
was, no doubt, some other silly affair dangling, and I 
might just as well, first as last, understand that in my case 
a repetition of Bessie’s nonsense would not be tolerated. 
With my looks — my dear, you see they were too long dis- 
cussed like other commodities to leave me the least reserve 
or modesty on the subject — something worth while was 
expected ; and, moreover, she knew I was a different mould 
from my younger sister, she said” — a queer look fiitted over 
the beautiful cold face — “I need not pretend to any heart in 
the matter. What nature did not give no one could ask 
for; but, said she, what you will get is most of all I have 
to leave when I die, and the diamond and pearl parure on 
your wedding day. I never, to do myself credit, had had 
the least intention of declining Mr. Mordaunt’s very good- 
natured proposal! but you see, my child, how wise it is to 
meet people on their own ground. Had I jumped at my 
good fortune, grandmamma would never have dreamed of 
giving me those jewels right out, and they’re famous 
everywhere; wait until you see some of them to-night!” 

“It was a fair exchange then,” said Alison, who had 
gone through half a dozen phases of feeling while this 
narrative was in progress, and felt now mainly anxious to 
know whether the beautiful, heartless creature before her 
could be made to feel the repellent side to the story. 

“Well, yes,” admitted Tasia; “for, really, Mr. Mor- 
daunt was by no means a bad husband, as men of the 
world go. He was always civil unless he was — and, well, 
I never had to see him if anything was at all out of the 
way, and he never had reason to find fault with me. You 
see, I knew that, easy-going as he appeared, he would not 
have tolerated the least nonsense on my part.” 

“An excellent reason for behaving yourself,” said Ali- 


180 


ALISON 1 8 ADVENTURES. 


son, and Tasia, with another dubious, searching look, said 
confidently : 

. “Oh, I assure you I was most discreet! No-one could 
have complained of anything. Why, even in regard to 
Bessie — I scarcely ever went near her.” 

“Really! Well, it is to be hoped Mr. Mordaunt was 
properly appreciative,” said Alison. 

“Oh, yes, indeed! Ho was always liberal, and he died 
in about — well, very nearly two years, and left me very 
comfortable, and I’m sure he had nothing to complain of 
in his — I mean if he knew of it — the funeral.” 

“How consoling,” said Alison; “and your singing — did 
he enjoy that?” 

“Oh, yes! Well, if anything bothered him, perhaps it 
was a fear I might want to go on the stage. He was con- 
soled, however, when this very Mr. Ogdenthorpe told him 
I lacked — what is it — the timbre — you know that stagey 
sort of feeling or whatever it is Agnes has in her 
voice.” 

“No,” said Alison, perfectly calmly; “it’s soul with 
Agnes, that is all; it doesn’t reach everyone, of course.” 

Tasia laughed lightly. “You’re so funny!” she com- 
mented. “Well, now I really must not keep you here 
longer,” she rose, shook out her draperies, indulged in 
another little satisfactory survey of herself in the mirror, 
and observed, with her pretty smile: 

“I’d be a year making you out! But you’re very deep, 
my dear. I wonder who could quite fathom you? That 
superior Mr. Broderick, perhaps? I hear you are great 
friends.” 

“Yes,” said Alison; “I hope we are friends, for I 
respect him well enough to wish him one.” 

“You’re so shrewd,” said Tasia presently, and going 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


181 


back to the main subject of their tete-h-tete, “I wonder 
you haven’t found out about Jack and Agnes yet.” 

The color flamed into Alison’s fine, pure young face, and 
for an instant she was tempted to let prudence go and say 
all she felt, but her respect for Agnes and Agnes’ trouble 
was too great. She forced back the words which were on 
her lips and said very coldly: 

“lias it not occurred to you, Mrs. Mordaunt, that as we 
are both Mrs. Leigh’s guests, discussion of her is rather 
out of place?” 

Tasia was silent; her eyes held a little cruel shaft of 
light in them, but she forced herself to smile as she said 
carelessly : 

“You are quite right; and the subject has exhausted 
itself. Shall we go down now? The good Ogdenthorpe 
and that remarkable Miss Kane will be looking for us.” 

“No doubt,” said Alison quietly. She touched the bell 
near the fireplace, held back the portiere for her guest to 
pass out ahead of her, and followed her down the wide 
staircase with a most uncomfortable, irritated feeling. 
Silly, weak-minded, even empty-headed as the bewitching 
Tasia might be, Alison was very well aware that her 
balance of cold shrewdness was a heavy one, and would 
enable her to make things decidedly uncomfortable if she 
felt so inclined, but the tSte-a-tete had been in one way 
successful. By inducing her to talk of herself, Alison had 
kept clear of topics nearer home, and Tasia had so thor- 
oughly revealed her own shallowness that our heroine was 
all the more firmly arrayed on the side of Agnes in trying 
to dissociate herself and her household from such unwhole- 
some social influences — the word friendship could not be 
spoken in this connection ! More and more clearly were 
the influences, the very creed of a simple daily life, in 


182 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


wliicb were neither complications nor entanglements, sen- 
timentality, nor affectations of feeling, “sensations,” as 
Tasia defined her love of excitement, nor false estimates 
of the things which make up the sum total of one’s life 
and happiness, forcing themselves upon our heroine as all 
that was worth striving for, and she wished Broderick and 
she had come to a better understanding of each other in 
their recent talk, since she was quite sure she at least 
understood the principle of his doctrine, his ennobling, if 
severe social code. 

“But he is so — he cares so little what I think or not!” 
was the girl’s final reflection. “He has probably for- 
gotten every word of it all by this time. 1 wonder what 
he would have said to Mrs. Mordaunt’s very frank 
recital!” 

But all such suggestions had to give way now before 
the final decisions, announcements, discussions for the 
evening. Jack Leigh had put in an appearance, and was 
listlessly talking to the plebeian, music-loving Celia Kane 
with his very kindest manner when Alison and her com- 
panion re-entered the drawing room, and he detached him- 
self as speedily as possible from the young pianist, saunter- 
ing toward Mrs. Mordaunt with an easy smile and the 
“Well, all right, madame?” which in its lack of ceremony 
was more expressive of their familiar way with each other 
than anything else, while Alison made all haste to engross 
Agnes’ attention in regard to some points in her solo 
for the evening. 

They were gone at last, and Agnes turned at once to her 
husband. 

“Weren’t you late, Jack?” she asked very gently. 

Jack smiled. “Why, yes, a trifle. By the Avay, Gray 
Gorman will be over here to-night, especially to see Mr. 


ALISON' 8 ADVENTURES. 


183 


Winstane (the Washington gentleman). Can we put him 
up, do you think?” 

Agnes’ face flushed, but she said hastily: 

“No, I’m sorry, but it can’t be managed. If he doesn’t 
return let him go to the hotel. Oh, but I’m tired ! What 
are you going to do, Alison? I must have a rest before 
the concert.” 

And she swept her friend along with her, leaving Jack 
to his paper before the great crackling fire, hesitating at 
the door of her pretty room a moment, then saying lightly: 
“No, I won’t be selfish! Go away and lie down for an 
hour or two. Jane will bring you up some flowers to wear 

to-night; make yourself lovely enough to capture 

There, I won’t say another word!” 

And with a light, sweet laugh, painfully touching in its 
effort to hide her deeper feelings, Agnes stood still watch- 
ing Alison disappear in the direction of her own room. 
Then, sure that she was unobserved, Jack’s wife moved 
softly back to the bend of the wide staircase, and looked 
down into the hall where he was still sitting. 

He had tired very quickly of his paper. It had fallen 
to the ground, and his hands were clasped behind his head 
as he leaned back, gazing down into the leaping, dying 
flames. Not a sound but the ticking of the tall old clock 
in the corner, the occasional break and fall of a bit of fire- 
wood, was audible, and Agnes, her very heart seeming on 
her lips, hesitated, wavered, waited, fought with an eager 
longing to go down, kneel beside him and — open all of her 
tender, loving, really loyal heart! The pendulum of the 
great clock swung back and forth, one, two, three minutes 
of time, passed on — three minutes in which, half from a 
foolish pride, half dreading how he might receive, or chill 
her, Agnes let an opportunity worth more than hours or 


184 


ALISON'S ADVENTUBES. 


days before and later, drift by. With something like a 
sigh, or quickly drawn breath, Jack rose, stretched him- 
self, snapped his fingers at the great St. Bernard, who 
came slowly, affectionately toward him, and with this 
dumb but loving companion at his heels went over to his 
special “den” near the library, opened the door, closing it 
upon himself and old Marco with a sharp, thin sound, the 
last for some time to disturb the perfect quiet of the 
house. 

Agnes moved slowly, noiselessly, with a sense of miser- 
able oppression, regret, defeat once more at her heart as 
she re-entered her beautiful room, more completely alone 
than she had felt for days. Meanwhile, in the solitude of 
the library, the master of the house had plunged into the 
examination of business papers, drawings of new machin- 
ery, etc., and was wondering within himself whether “the 
game of his life” were “worth the candle.” “No one 
cares a rap,” he was thinking; “still, one must have an 
object in life. Heigh-ho! and only four years ago Agnes 
and I began this sorry business rather differently ! Poor 
little Nell! If we — I — had her to work for!” 

Almost involuntarily the young fellow glanced about 
the room, reassured himself that old Marco was his only 
witness, then unlocking a special drawer in his desk took 
out a box, thence drew forth a small velvet-framed case, 
a miniature, the portrait of his child. 

“Better off, my poor little girl!” Jack said to himself, as 
he replaced the case after gazing lovingly upon it. He 
rose once more with an effort to rouse or “pull himself 
together,” and then he stood thinking for a moment, gaz- 
ing down into the bright fire. “I wonder,” his thoughts 
went on, “just where! It must be God has a home for 
such as she was. I wonder if it was my turn ” He 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


185 


hesitated, then calling: “Come on, Marco, come, old fel- 
low!” flung himself down on the sofa, the dog crouched 
on the floor at his side, and the next hour passed in vain 
efforts, first to go on with the latest novel brought in, 
then to enjoy an afternoon siesta , upon both of which queer 
visions, bits of the afternoon talk, music, suggestions were 
persistently obtruded until actual drowsiness, indeed, 
physical weariness, the result of much broken rest of late, 
won the day, and Jack slept on for the next hour, dream- 
ing Broderick was discussing the rights and wrongs of 
some mill question with him to the tune of the quickly 
running engine, while Alison Fane was standing by with 
that handsome, reserved friend of hers, Hilda Benton, and 
his own wife. 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 


Youth, good natural spirits, and a clear conscience go 
far in tins world to create happiness out of slender 
materials, and our heroine fortunately possessed all three 
requisites to make the prospect of the evening a most 
delightful one. Whatever hint of sadness “lurked 
unseen” she determined should he put to one side at least, 
and she enjoyed, — as what girl among my readers would 
not have done? — making as becoming a toilet as possible 
for the concert and social gathering to follow at Braune 
House. 

Dressed in a pretty gown of white crepon, a “remnant,” 
she called it, of “former greatness,” with her grand- 
mother’s necklace and bracelets of pearls on her round 
young throat and arms, her hair in its usual high, soft 
coil, with the little vagrant lovelocks on her brow, the 
young girl needed only the touch of color given by the 
deep-hued carnations and soft green maidenhair which 
the obliging house-maid brought her to make her evening 
toilet charming, simple, becoming, and in keeping with 
her youth, the dark tones of hair and eyes, the clear fair- 
ness of her skin with its flitting pink color in the cheeks. 
A thrill of pleasure, gayety, hard to say just what ele- 
ments, combined to make up a sensation wholty delightful, 
and to give sparkle to her face and a happy look to her 
eyes and lips, as she made her way down the great stair- 
case, surprised to find Jack already waiting in the hall — 
as usual a trifle nervously impatient over his wife’s delay. 

186 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


187 


“Well done!” he exclaimed, smiling at Alison as she 
hesitated an instant on the lower bend of the stairs, her 
white and furred wraps over one arm, the free hand rest- 
ing on the shining dark balustrade. “Upon my word, 
Alison, you’re worth photographing as you stand there! 
I declare, I’ll begin a series of pictures again in the old 
house.” 

“Oh, do!” exclaimed Alison, coming down a trifle hur- 
riedly; “if I were in your place, Mr. Leigh, I’d — oh, I’d 
never have an idle moment, nor a dull one !” 

“Wouldn’t you?” he laughed shortly. “I’d like to 
know your rules and follow them for a week.” 

“Rules!” Alison’s dainty brows were arched. “There 
should be none! Method, perhaps — rules never!” 

“What then — where would your method come in?” 

“Let every day have certain hours for certain kinds of 
things : say three or four for photography, reading, music, 
visiting one’s neighbor; then let each day decide which 
branch should be pursued in the appointed time.” 

“I see; not a bad idea.” He paused, looked gravely 
down into the fire, then up the staircase. “ Where on earth 
is Agnes?” he exclaimed. “She never can be on time!” 

And at the same moment the boudoir door was heard to 
close, the rustle of Agnes’ drapery made a soft frou-frou 
along the hall, and she appeared, radiant in rich dark green 
velvet, a trifle heavy, perhaps, for her slender form, but 
suiting her height and peculiarly graceful carriage admi- 
rably. The pallor of her face was noticeable to both Jack 
and Alison as she came slowly downstairs, the diamonds 
flashing on her neck, in her small white ears, an arrow- 
shaped pin fastening one side of her brown hair, singularly 
becoming, yet intensifying the cold white look of her 
sweet young face. 


188 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


“You are stunning in that gown!” declared Alison, and 
as Agnes smiled languidly Jack added : 

“Is it the green that makes you so pale, Aggie?” 

Her eyes flashed a look at him, a smile in them, poor 
child! 

“Am I pale? Well, in any case the singing always 
makes me white as a sheet,” she said lightly, and with 
something almost timid held out her slim gloved hand for 
her young “ lord and master” to fasten the last two refrac- 
tory buttons. 

“Remember the first time I did this?” he said, smiling. 

She laughed and nodded her head quickly. 

“Don’t I, though! You pretended you didn’t know 
how ! And you tried ” 

“Yes!” He looked over his shoulder at their guest. 
“Just think of it, Alison, and beware of young men: I 
tried when I’d buttoned the glove to fasten a kiss in with 
it. You see, I had her hand — like this.” 

He held it, bent down, and touched the bit of palm 
above the buttons lightly with his lips. 

“When you were — my sweetheart, eh, Jack?” said 
Agnes softly. “A million, million years ago!” She 
turned, gathered up her rich draperies, the carriage w r as 
announced, and Alison and her host and hostess, all rather 
silent and preoccupied, drove away rapidly to the great 
hall where Exeford’s “event,” as the daily paper called it, 
was to take place. 

Exeford, having “created” the festival, never allowed it 
to come or go unmarked by triumph, and this occasion was 
only one of a series wherein success had become almost com- 
monplace; but Alison, whose knowledge of the resources 
of her own country was necessarily meagre, was roused 
into positive enthusiasm by the fine way in which every- 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


189 


tiling was done, and even tlie hypercritical Ogdenthorpe- 
was compelled to look and bow his own appreciation more 
than once, since, with two such voices as Tasia Mordaunt’s 
and Agnes Leigh’s as “principals,” approval went without 
saying, and the choruses were brilliant, effective, and, if a 
trifle too metallic now and then, at all events admirably 
trained and clearly intelligent. 

Never could Alison forget the — to her mind — chief 
encore of the evening, nor the look on Agnes’ flower-like, 
exquisite face as she sang that perfect message of earth to 
heaven: “Angels ever bright and fair.” Long afterward 
the notes rested, lingered, echoed in a sad, lonely recess of 
the girl’s heart; the “ Take, oh, take me to thy care ” was 
like a petition from the longing, restless soul to those 
winged messengers of heaven in whose train came mercy, 
tenderness, love, and rest. The momentary hush which 
followed was intensely felt, then the applause burst forth. 
Twice Agnes had to bow, smile, half shake her head before 
she was allowed to return to her seat in spite of the very 
clearly printed request on every programme that encores 
should not be insisted upon. 

“It is the one way to absolute self-forgetfulness,” 
declared Agnes as they were driving homeward through 
the starlit, tranquil streets. “How are we ever to define 
the feeling music gives us to ears born deaf to its impres- 
sions! Come, Alison! Your face over there has a rapt 
sort of expression worth translating. Hasn’t it, Jack?” 

“Alison’s look is always worth that,” he said good- 
humoredly. Something about his wife evidently disturbed 
or interested him this evening, he watched her so closely. 

“ ‘The harmony of immortal souls,’ ” quoted Alison. 
“I always feel that we who love music in this way can 
never get to its height or depth while this ‘vesture of 


190 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES . 


decay’ doth close us in. It is the expression of what we 
never find, or quite reach, or even understand.” 

“But, oh, how it relieves the need of expression!” said 
Agnes softly, and turning her eyes to the flitting picture 
of the night. Jack leaned forward, fastened a jewelled 
pin in her hair, and said in a half jesting way : 

“Agnes, you ought to he very grateful to me. Young 
woman,” — she turned, and he went on, — “if I had humored 
you in your fancy for a public life, you would have been 
— icr etched.” 

She looked at him with a strange expression. 

“My fancy, as you call it, Jack, my dear, may be only 
put aside. Take care!” 

And Agnes felt sure she at least understood what the 
caution implied. 

“Here — at last!” exclaimed Jack as the great doors of 
Braune House opened to reveal its friendly lights; the 
fine hall brilliant with lamps, the glowing fire, flowers 
profuse and fragrant on all sides, the conservatory doors 
thrown open, made a picture framed in the starlight night 
worthy such a setting. 

“Home!” said Leigh as he sprang to the ground, and 
turned to assist the two ladies. “Now, then, for our 
private concert !” 

Half an hour later the rooms and hall were filled with a 
gayly laughing and talking company. Alison found her- 
self, after a very impressive introduction from Mr. Leigh 
himself, with “the guest of the evening,” the “ Washing- 
ton man,” a Mr. Winstane, who interested her at once, 
combining the shrewdness of the natural-born financier 
and statesman with the polish of a man long accustomed 
to the ebb and flow of society in great capitals; and while 
they drank a cup of coffee together in the library, — Alison 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


191 


rather surprising him by declining even claret-cup among 
the various beverages provided, — she surprised him almost 
into speechlessness by saying she was one of Gorman’s 
“hands.” 

“Are you not jesting?” Colonel Winstane asked, his 
sharp gray eyes under their heavy brows taking in afresh 
the quiet elegance, the fair, high-bred look, of the girl so 
evidently a favored guest at “Braune.” “Do you mean 
me to understand, Miss Fane,” he continued, completely 
puzzled, “that you work in the factory?” 

She smiled, a look of mischief in her eyes and dimples. 

“I am on hand at 6 a. m., Colonel Winstane,” she 
answered; “and although our — what do they call him — 
boss , Mr. Broderick, would tell you I am a very incapable 
sort of a person, I assure you I rarely leave until the clos- 
ing bell has rung its last stroke.” 

“But ” He stopped short; he really knew not what 

to say; then added, with a peculiar smile: “So Broderick 
bullies you, does he, like everyone else?” 

She laughed. “ When I let him ! I believe he regards 
me as something to be reformed. He scolds me often 
enough to improve me.” 

“Do you know him well? He is one — to my way of 
thinking — one of the master minds in America; something 
has unhinged him, I am sure, or he would have long since 
taken the place he deserves. Broderick is one to be led 
to great heights under the right influence.” 

“And— without it?” Alison felt her heart quickening 
as she spoke. 

“He will never go down; the man has too much natural 
uplifting power for that. But I’ve often wondered what 
he would do with— wealth, for instance.” 

“And so have I,” exclaimed Alison quickly; “often. 


192 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


Tell me, How do yon think he would use the power we 
know that money surely gives. You can’t deny that, of 
course.” 

“I never wanted to,” said Colonel Winstane shortly. 
“It is by such arguments our philanthropists harm their' 
cause. How Broderick would use it?” He turned the 
tiny spoon of gold and silver up and down in its dainty 
Sevres cup as he reflected upon a fitting answer to Ali- 
son’s question. 

“He would like, no doubt, to remodel the -whole uni- 
verse,” he said at last, bringing his shrewd smile hack to 
the eager young face before him; “and yet I think that 
level head of his would make him see that concentration 
was better than anything else, and I don’t doubt he’d try 
to take hold of Gorman’s, for instance, and make a model 
factory of it.” 

Alison, who had. followed every word as anxiously as 
though it was the verdict of a jury, nodded her head 
slowly and said: “Yes, I think that probable; but he ex- 
pects so much. He is so — intolerant.” 

“Does he often find the — tolerable?” said the Washing- 
ton man, with a smile. “Isn’t our average workman and 
woman, — mill hand, for instance, — a very sordid, dull 
piece of material?” 

“No,” declared Alison. “I think not. They work 
well, cheerfully enough, and their demands, as I see them, 
are only just. If in some cases they will despise their 
employers, it is surely not without reason. They have no 
reason for making mere slaves, machines of themselves. 
Were I, to-morrow, for example, to think I could better 
myself by leaving Gorman’s and going to another factory, 

I would not hesitate for one instant in doing so. The core 
of the whole thing, on both sides, is supremely selfish.” 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


193 


“Then why blame Broderick?” 

“Because — oh ” She held up a warning finger as 

Gray Gorman, faultlessly dressed, certainly looking very 
handsome and easy in his air, sauntered toward them from 
the hall. 

The picture of his father’s “hand” occupied in what was 
evidently a very spirited debate with the most important 
person present that evening surprised him out of his 
usual faculty for “ignoring” Alison’s “pretensions,” as he 
considered her look, bearing, and perfectly quiet but 
thoroughly self-possessed manner. He held out his hand, 
smiled, and saying: “Charming place, isn’t it, Miss 
Fane?” leaned back against a heavy table, and looked up 
at the “great man” on mill questions, who he considered 
had spent time enough with this provokingly independent 
young woman. 

“Well, Winstane, how goes it?” he asked lazily. “I 
suppose we’ll see you upstairs for a while before we break 
up.” 

And as the Washingtonian made some half-audible 
answer, Alison took advantage of the break in their own 
tete-d-tete to excuse herself and leave the room. 

“Charming, delightful girl that!” exclaimed Colonel 
Winstane when they were alone. “By Jove, you’re a 
queer mixture up here, Gorman ! She tells me she’s one 
of your hands.” 

Gorman nodded. “That’s so, and a very stupid one at 
that.” 

“Why, what on earth does she want to make gloves 
for?” demanded the colonel with his back to the fire. “ She 
has brains and fire and go enough in her for something 
very different!” 

“I wish I could enlighten you, my dear fellow,” 
13 


194 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


exclaimed Gorman, with his short laugh. “I own the girl 
puzzles me; and she’s connected with all these people, you 
know.” He sketched what he knew of Alison’s family 
relations. 

“Queer,” observed the colonel. “I thought that sort of 
thing belonged to the ‘penny dreadfuls.’ ” 

“H’m — what?” inquired young Gorman. “She’s a 
regular chum of Agnes’ — Mrs. Leigh’s,” he added; then 
rather quickly: “Well, Winstane, I think we’ve about 
‘got onto’ Clyde at last; and that fellow Broderick is — 
well, he is busy with something which I hear will open all 
our eyes.” 

And for the next half hour the conversation was dis- 
tinctly business in its nature. Sounds of music reached 
them from time to time; once Gorman stopped in the 
midst of what he was saying as the tones of Agnes’ voice 
floated toward them, and as Winstane said something 
extremely complimentary Gorman answered, with his 
shrewd look: 

“Stagey, isn’t it? By Jove! there’s a fortune there if 
she only knew it.” 

And, the business conversation practically ended, Gor- 
man sauntered away in search of the mistress of the house, 
whose slender, tall young figure had just disappeared in 
the direction of the palm house in the long conservatory. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


“Good-night, Miss Fane,” said Celia an hour later, 
stopping Alison on a bend of the staircase. “I wanted so 
much a little talk with you!” 

The young pianist’s dark eyebrows drew together, her 
heavy, kindly face looked troubled. 

“Did you?” exclaimed Alison quickly. “Oh, is it too 
late now?” 

“Yes, my brother is waiting, and his little boy is ill; 
but another time! Oh, Miss Fane, I will say just this! 
Mrs. Leigh — I love her so dearly ! And you are her friend, 
her true friend. Row, if ever I can help you — her — will 
you not come — send for me?” 

Alison took and pressed warmly the honest hand held 
out. 

“Yes, thank you! I will not forget it. And, believe 
me, I am grateful. I know you can be trusted.” 

“Yes,” said the quiet Celia, nodding her head, “I can be 
trusted! You will find that out. Good-night, my dear.” 

She nodded her head again in its capacious hood, picked 
up her train of ugly reddish silk, and went on downstairs 
to the nearly deserted hall, the only guests remaining 
being a few gentlemen Jack had invited to a smoke and 
talk in his snuggery. 

“Thank you so much, Miss Kane,” said the ever kind- 
hearted Jack, as with the most careful courtesy he assisted 
the young musician into the carriage he had in waiting. 
Her douceur was carefully stowed away to be added to 

195 


196 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


the fund she was making for the future. “Now are you 
quite right? Drive on, Peter,” and, bowing again with 
the best manner possible, Jack sent thfi little pianist of the 
evening home more than ever loyal and eager in her friend- 
ship for the Leighs, glad that she had established even 
that sort of understanding with their other staunch 
friend, Alison Fane. “She is true!” thought Celia. “It 
is an honest face, an honest voice.” 

And she gave herself up for the moment to the luxury 
of the drive home in the softly cushioned brougham, 
reflecting that twenty dollars was a great deal for a most 
agreeable evening’s work, but it was nothing to the 
Leighs, and would be much toward the nest egg of her 
future home with Carl Brandeis, her honest, hard-working 
betrothed of five years’ standing! 

Alison, meanwhile, after lingering a moment or two just 
where Celia had bidden her good-night, went slowly up to 
her own room, feeling as if all the world had taken on a 
strange and sinister intention. At that moment she would 
have given much to have never entered the conservatory, 
never have been forced even for a moment to hear what 
she had — the tale of Jack’s thoughtlessness, — she would not 
call it more, — in regard to Tasia Mordaunt, coming from 
Gray Gorman’s lips to his young wife’s ears. Yet there 
was this good result : as early as possible she would con- 
trive an hour alone with Agnes and tell her everything, 
urge, beg, implore of her to lay the whole case before the 
one best entitled to console, comfort, nay, above all, direct, 
her — her own husband! And to fight, wrestle, with any 
other temptation at the one place sure to soothe and lead 
aright — at llis feet, wounded, pierced, weary, on that 
lonely earthly travel for just such beating hearts, just such 
faltering steps, as theirs! 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


197 


“Oh, what a life!” exclaimed Alison almost aloud, as, 
leaning against the sash of her window, she watched the 
day break, its colors gather faintly, the eastern sky flushed 
and delicately alight, and poor Jack’s vague “I wonder 
where” in speaking of his little child came to mind, bring- 
ing tears into her eyes. “Oh, little Nell, wherever you 
are in God’s keeping,” Alison’s thoughts went on, as she 
watched the pale-hued, vibrant sky leading the new day 
slowly to its time of “watch and ward,” “surely your 
little lips and eyes can ask the Master who took you to 
keep the lonely heart aching for you here! That ‘Suffer 
little children, forbid them not, of such is the kingdom of 
heaven’ — surely,” thought Alison, “He who taught that 
can know the needs of the homes that they have- left so 
vacant, can let their little lips and eyes plead ” 

A sound, a light rap on the door, roused Alison sud- 
denly, and she turned, remembering that she had not yet 
removed even the jewels from her neck and arms. 

It was Jane, the house-maid, very sleepy, trying not to 
be cross. 

“Oh, you aint been to bed yet, Miss Fane. No more 
have I, after all this goings on. It’s Mr. Broderick, miss, 
wants to see you right off. Something very particular!” 

“Broderick!” exclaimed Alison, a vague alarm possess- 
ing her. What could have happened to bring him here 
at such an hour? “Where — where is he, Jane?” she 
asked quickly. 

“In master’s room, miss,” said the young English ser- 
vant. “The ‘snuggery,’ you know, as he calls it.” 

Alison, like one in a dream, hurried softly down through 
the quiet, still house, whose hallway’s proportions seemed 
larger, dimmer, in this solitude with only the faint day- 
light showing in patches here and there; and as she 


198 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


opened the door of Jack’s “den” and stood there a 
moment Broderick, turning from the window, uttered a 
quick exclamation of surprise, his eyes lighting swiftly as 
he looked at the girl in all the fairness of her youth, with 
the ball-dress of the evening, the pearls still gleaming on 
neck and arms, the roses drooping on her breast. 

Lovely, bewitching to his senses, as Alison looked to 
Broderick in that moment, nothing could have operated 
more strongly in favor of the “rule” he had laid down. 
How far it seemed to set them asunder ! 

Her eyes with their softly changing lights were mutely 
questioning him, and Hugh said quickly, without even 
offering his hand : 

“You see, I have kept my word. I found your friend 
Miss Benton really ill last night, and so came over for 
you at once. Can you go right back?” 

“Of course! Very ill? Oh, how good of you !” Alison 
stood still, trying to think, and Broderick continued: 

“Don’t wait to eat anything; I’ll see to that. We must 
catch a train at Four Corners.” He consulted his watch. 
“You have barely time to take all that” — he smiled, and 
just touched the laces about her neck — “that finery off. I 
must say,” he added a trifle awkwardly, “you look very 
pretty in it.” 

Alison, in spite of her anxiety, smiled and colored with 
pleasure. 

“I was star-gazing and forgot to take it off,” she 
admitted shyly. 

“So much the better for me,” he answered, as though 
loath to forego the simple pleasure the sight of her fair 
young charms gave him. “ Stand over there a moment and 
let me see you for once as you are — not my ‘hand,’” he 
added, smiling, “but Miss Fane.” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


199 


She smiled half sadly, let fall the draperies in her hand, 
and held up her head. 

“I will not delay,” she said with a faint smile. “I— 
perhaps — well, I can just say good-by to Agnes.” 

The thought of leaving her friend thus at such a crisis 
smote her heart, but she would think out what to do; at 
all events, her duty was clearly now to make all haste 
back. 

Broderick had hired a trap at the junction which he 
could leave there, so the only delay was in Alison’s mak- 
ing ready. She dressed rapidly, scarcely hearing what 
Jane was saying: regret, hopes the “young lady haint 
very bad,” etc., etc., insisting more than once that she 
needed no refreshment; then, going downstairs, she hesi- 
tated a moment at Agnes’ door. Should she awaken her 
for a good-by? A moment’s deliberation showed her this 
could not be without too long a delay, and instead, with 
rather nervous fingers, she wrote a line on the back 
of a card, promising news at once— a loving, grateful 
good-by. 

There was not a moment to be lost. Broderick only 
hesitated to make sure she was warmly clad, to understand 
the house-maid would explain masters; then very carefully, 
and with a confident smile up at her as he did so, he made 
her comfortable in the little phaeton, sprang in, taking up 
the reins and sending the pony at a quick pace down the 
quiet poplar avenue, where the sounds of the awakening 
day, the click of the mare’s heels, the very chill of the 
clear, crisp day, w T ere pleasant to Alison’s senses, part of 
the comfort of finding herself once more so directly in 
Broderick’s keeping, so completely under his care. 

That they exchanged scarcely a dozen sentences counted 
for nothing. Alison asked anxiously about Hilda. Brod- 


200 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES . 


erick explained there had been more or less low fever 
about, but it was strange the cold weather had not killed it. 

“If it is — typhoid?” said Alison. 

“A bad business, that!” exclaimed Broderick; then, 
looking down at the girl’s face near his shoulder, he 
added: “It will be a risk for you, child; but — well, what 
can be done?” 

“Sickness never frightens me,” declared Alison. “I 
am only now anxious to reach the poor girl.” 

He was silent for a moment or two, then said in his 
quick, decisive way: “We will find out just what Dr. 
Egerton thinks to-night. Meanwhile try not to feel 
alarmed.” 

He left her a moment in the little waiting-room at Four 
Corners, and came back presently with a steaming bowl of 
coffee and a roll. 

“A change from the Dresden and Sevres of Braune 
House,” he observed, smiling. “ Glove-making has begun 
again, eh?” 

She nodded, wondered what Hugh would say were he to 
know this frugally served breakfast with him in the crisp, 
cool morning was more than all the Braune House luxuries. 
Instinctively she spread out a dainty cambric handkerchief 
on her knees, and contrived to eat the roll judiciously. 
Broderick, meanwhile, sauntered up and down the platform. 
When she had finished and he had taken back the bowl, she 
discovered her handkerchief gone as well, but he returned 
holding it in his hands, studying the finely wrought mono- 
gram attentively. 

“ What is the ‘M’ for?” he inquired, reading the “A. M. 
F.” entwined. 

“Morpeth.” 

“ Il’in ; a very suitable name after Alison.” 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


201 


“My father was proud of the old family name,” said 
the girl, and in the same instant, with a swift remem- 
brance of that father, she wished Broderick had known 
him. “Oh, how you would have liked him! My poor 
father !” 

Broderick hesitated half a moment. “I want you to 
tell me various tilings connected with that time,” he said 
presently. “I have a good reason.” 

The girl smiled. She thought of Agnes’ estimate of the 
man. 

“You need not tell me that,” she said, still smiling. “I 
can’t imagine your ever being anything but absolutely 
reasonable. Fancy your giving way to what we headlong 
people call impulse.” 

“I — what!” he stared at her, then put back his head and 
laughed. “No!” he added; “I won’t argue it with you. 
It’s too hopeless. Come, here is our train.” 

And fifteen minutes later they were emerging onto the 
platform of Exeford Station, and walking rapidly down the 
narrow street to the little cottage on Bend Lane, sounds 
of factory life already reminding Alison at every step that 
“Cinderella’s” holiday was over. 


CHAPTER XXX. 


Janet’s wrinkled, anxious countenance greeted tlie 
travellers from the door, and her tremulous grasp of 
Alison’s hand told of the old woman’s anxiety. But she 
said very little. Broderick enquired when the doctor was 
expected, and then stood in the little porch w'hile Alison 
hastened to her friend. 

A glance showed her that Hilda was indeed very ill; the 
girl’s great dark eyes lighted joyfully on seeing her, she 
held out a hot hand, but motioned Alison away wdien she 
would have bent down to kiss her. 

“No, no, dear; how can we tell? There may be 
danger,” she murmured. 

Alison exchanged a few comforting words, thanked her 
for sending over, then hastened back to ask Hugh whether 
there was much of the fever about. 

“Yes,” he admitted; “but it seems only local, not 

contagious, only do Janet, make her careful ! 

Fatigue and want of food induce it, they say. Ah, 
here is the doctor’s gig,” he added suddenly, as the 
little vehicle turned the corner and the welcome face 
of the Exeford physician came in view\ “Now 7 , good- 
by for the present.” He held out his hand and un- 
consciously wrung the little fingers Alison placed in it. 
“I’ll be up again to-night,” he added. “Meanwhile take 
good care of yourself. God bless you! No, no, don’t 
thank me!” 

And he was gone, pausing a moment to speak to the 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 203 

doctor on the roadside, evidently explaining his errand 
of the morning. 

“Well, well,” exclaimed the doctor, as he tied up his 
horse and then shook one of Alison’s hands in both of his. 
“Here’s a nice ending to your holiday; and my girl Kate 
never got over there at all! However, I’m glad you had 
the little change.” 

He interviewed his patient, then led Alison alone into 
the little sitting-room of the cottage. 

“Are you afraid of sickness?” he said gravely. “No? 
That is well. Still you must have help. This is a serious 
case. In fact — has she friends, near relatives?” he added 
abruptly. 

“I — lean find out,” said Alison. She thought of the 
young doctor in Charlier Street. “One very good friend 
there is, a young physician,” she added. 

“Then let him know she is ill,” said Dr. Egerton 
quickly. “Tell him it is a pronounced case of typhoid 
malaria — very weak action of the heart. So far I see 
nothing organic, but there seems a constitutional delicacy. 
Now, my dear, remember my caution about yourself. 
Keep up, but don’t live on energy. I’ll drop in about 
two o’clock.” 

And, lifting his broad-brimmed felt hat, Dr. Egerton 
walked briskly away, leaving Alison, if cheered, by no 
means consoled. There was no doubt but that he con- 
sidered Hilda’s case a very serious one, and she determined 
to let Dr. Holton know of it at once, believing that even 
by letter he could advise in Hilda’s case, since he under- 
stood her constitution, knew her story; and besides, there 
seemed a bond between them, Alison was sure, which 
would give him the right to know that her life was per- 
haps in danger. 


204 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


The morning passed heavily, anxiously. Alison in the 
intervals of watching, tending on the sick girl, who seemed 
at times scarcely aware even of her ministrations, and of 
consoling Janet, who was both frightened and unhappy, 
w r atclied for the noon hour and Broderick’s return. He 
must have left on the very stroke of the bell, for the usual 
groups of wmrkers had not appeared before his tall figure 
came in view of the doorway in which Alison sat, and he 
approached, holding a letter in his hand. 

“I got it for you passing the office,” he explained. “It 
must have just arrived.” 

It was from Agnes, written evidently directly she had 
heard of her guest’s departure. It w 7 as but a line, full of 
sympathy and regret, ending: “I will see you or write 
you soon. Meanwhile look to me for any help I can be in 
any way.” 

“She is more than good,” exclaimed Alison. “We are 
surely blessed in kind friends.” As she handed Broderick 
the letter she added: “The doctor says his daughter has 
gone through all this and will call; but I do not mean to 
let her run any risks, I promise you. Sweet little Kitty!” 

“She will be a capital aid,” said Broderick quickly. 
“I’m glad to know she is coming. Well, to-morrow is 
Sunday. I will look in early, if not to-night.” He took 
her hand again, nodded, and was gone, and Alison once 
more took up her station at Hilda’s side ; nor did she leave 
it again that day or evening except to show herself for an 
instant to reassure Broderick and Kitty Egerton, who 
came together; but her white, anxious face alarmed them 
both. Kitty sent word back by Broderick that she meant 
to remain all night, and for eight days and nights to come 
the doctor’s brave-hearted little daughter could not be per- 
suaded to leave her post. Having resigned herself to the 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


205 


fact tliat Kitty was determined to remain, Alison freely 
acknowledged her gratitude, and they settled upon a 
steady regime of relieving each other at fixed intervals, 
a telegram one morning from Dr. Holton promising some 
cheer in that he would be with them late in the same even- 
ing. Broderick came and went with unfailing regularity, 
not always seeing Alison, but at least giving her the com- 
fort of feeling she could not be long absent from his 
thoughts. If it was but a word, a look, a touch of his 
strong hand, it helped her through the dreariest day, and 
at times Alison almost forgot that from this dreamland 
there must be an awakening. The brief talks in the little 
parlor some way brought them very near together, and 
often after he had bade good-by and gone quite out of 
sight Alison, who always went over all they had dis- 
cussed, while alone at Hilda’s bedside, would be fairly 
startled to remember how much of self there had been in 
these moments of unrestrained conversation, and how she 
was counting on what the next day would bring forth, the 
essence of their comradeship being in the fact that topics 
were never wanting — rather did it seem as though each one 
brought to mind and light a new one. 

They were standing near the fire in the sitting-room. 
Alison, her slippered foot resting on the fender, gave a 
little fleck to a bit of dust on the skirt she was holding up. 
Broderick laughed. 

“I’ve been waiting to see if the sick nursing took the 
vanity out of you,” he observed, his arm on the high 
chimney-piece, as he looked down at the graceful girlish 
figure and uplifted face. 

“There!” she exclaimed, the passing sunshine of her 
look giving way to the anxiety now its almost habitual 
expression; “I am glad of that! Now you see that what 


20 G 


ALISON' 8 ADVENTURES. 


you choose to call vanity is really only a kind of — well, 
instinct with tne; for surely you know a frivolous thought 
now is impossible.” 

“ I know it !” lie spoke quickly, but sadly. “ I — I think 
of leaving Exeford fora time; I have some business in 
Hew York.” He hesitated. “Alison,” he went on hur- 
riedly, but gravely, “do you know, you may think me 
presumptuous, yet I cannot in some "way bear the idea of 
leaving you just at present even without such watch and 
ward as 1 can give you! You have laughed at me for 
being so prosaic, so commonplace, and now you may well 
call me merely imaginative, since I cannot in the least 
tell you what it is I fear.” 

He leaned back, looked down eagerly into her face. A 
sweet, gentle look swept it as she answered in a low voice: 

“ What shall I — what do you wish me to do?” 

He drew a long breath and passed his hand across his brow. 

“Yes,” he said, at last, a look of determination in his 
face; “I will exact one promise. Whether! go or stay, 
if — if anyone comes to you with any tale in which my 
name is mixed up, will you bring it at once to me? And 
believe nothing until after you have done so.” 

“Against you? Do you mean that?” said Alison 
proudly. Her look answered him. 

“No, no, my friend; not exactly; yet God knows what 
may be said! And I am working with a purpose, a fixed 
one. I want money, a great deal of it, and for a good 
use. It is not debasing to desire it, remember, in the 
right way. You recollect our talk on the beach? I did 
not half ‘say my say’ then. Perhaps I never will; that 
depends ” He broke off. 

“The inner core, which even friendship, you said, could 
not, should not, demand.” 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


207 


“Did I?” said Broderick slowly, and searching her face 
with quiet, watchful eyes. “Alison, I am afraid that is a 
long time ago. There is very little of the inner self. I 
would not tell you now.” He paused, his eyes lighted, 
held a look half humorous, half provoking. “Come!” he 
exclaimed ; “here is a promise — no, no, I want your hand.” 
He looked down at that small member as he possessed him- 
self of it. “It’s rather thin for those rings, isn’t it, 
lately? Well, then, if I run in here to-morrow at church- 
time, ask me anything in reason, and 1 will tell you the 
truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth!” 

“You promise?” exclaimed Alison, giving his hand a 
little quick pressure. 

“Solemnly, my child.” 

“Very well, then.” She slowly released her too expres- 
sive fingers and added: “I shall lie awake to-night decid- 
ing what to ask you. No, I won’t, either, for I almost 
know now !” She nodded her head, smiling saucily at him. 
“Remember, you said the truth, the whole truth, and 
nothing but the truth !” 

“I shall not forget. Good-by, young woman ! Where is 
Janet? Promise me to get all the sleep you can to-night.” 

“Oh, I shall need it!” retorted Alison, with her frank, 
sweet laugh. “Remember, I may have to listen to your 
tale of woe! and I will need physical endurance, no doubt, 
as well as patience.” 

He picked up his hat, smiled again, and was gone. 
Alison lingered a moment with her hands pressed together, 
thinking deeply, anxiously. 

“I know what I will ask him,” she reflected. “Will he 
tell me?” 

But she had his promise, and there was small chance of 
Broderick’s being weaker than his word. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

Hilda’s niglit was unusually comfortable, and, in spite 
of the expected interview with Broderick and all it might 
imply, Alison slept some hours in calm security. The day 
broke with fitful gusts of wind and rain, setting old Janet 
to prophesy various calamities which Alison had to laugh 
off while, breakfast over, she tried to give the little sit- 
ting-room as cheerful and home-like an air as possible. 

The doctor came and went, pronounced his patient bet- 
ter, prescribed a soothing draught, under the influences of 
which Hilda dozed in that luxurious fashion, — what other 
word can be used? — which makes the intervals of rest in a 
fever curative, and at half-past ten Alison, leaving Janet 
with their patient, established herself in the little parlor, 
watching with an almost painful anxiety for Broderick’s 
coming. 

Something in their friendship, she was but too well 
aware, had reached a point wherein there was right on 
both sides to expect, if need be, demand frankness, and it 
was this sense of mutual, if as yet unexpressed, under- 
standing which, if it heightened the girl’s pulse beats now 
and then, gave her the feeling of complete repose not only 
in Broderick’s judgments, but his very presence. What- 
ever lay unrevealed, she asked only to know that which 
would affect their personal relations. If Broderick’s past 
held any ties which could affect his future, she desired to 
know them only because she could not in some way dis- 
sociate from her mind an idea that by so doing her own 

208 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


209 


actions in regard to much at present undecided could be 
determined. Yet, argue with, divert herself as much as 
possible, she could not shake off a dread lest what he 
might admit to her would separate her from thoughts such 
as she sometimes dared indulge in, would mark out with 
cruel clearness precisely the path she ought to take, not 
that which she now yearned, with all the sweetness of her 
young heart and nature, to have him bid her follow. 

Life shared with such as Broderick, Alison knew all 
too well, would be no idle dreamland. It might be that 
it would be hard in many ways, rigid, fuller of work than 
luxury, perhaps difficult even to endure after her almost 
nomadic existence, and yet to create real home ties, how- 
ever simple, had, long before her cousin’s death, been a 
“dream” with the girl. 

Broderick’s quick step along the road broke in upon a 
delicious revery. Alison did not move; as he came in 
view, smiling and nodding to the figure in the doorway, 
Alison smiled in answer. Presently she was leading the 
way for him into the little parlor. 

“It looks like home!” said Broderick, with that deep, 
contented sigh of his. 

“I think,” said Alison, who had insisted upon his tak- 
ing their one large easy chair, and was standing for a 
moment just before him, “I ought to be in the army, 
for I never can feel contented an hour in a place unless 
some special lares and penates are set up.” 

He laughed. “How many sides are there to that funny 
little nature of yours?” he enquired. “I’m afraid you 
are fickle-minded. Last night I devoted an hour to calm, 
deliberate criticism of you.” 

“Yes?” said Alison saucily. 

“Exactly; I was deciding whether you were stable- 
14 


210 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


minded or the reverse; whether you were not over- 
enthusiastic, perhaps, at times, and, as a consequence, 
given to a new extreme when one offered.” 

“And then?” She had seated herself now at the table, 
facing him, and was looking at Broderick with her chin 
in her hands. “This is all very interesting,” she con- 
tinued, “but, remember, not at all the subject in hand.” 

“Well, it rather bears upon it,” said Hugh, with a keen 
look of amusement. “ I must decide how trustworthy a 
confidante, or, I should say, adviser, I have found.” 

The girl looked at him gravely. “I won’t answer you,” 
she said. “Nor do you expect it. I am tired of think- 
ing!” she added suddenly. 

“Can’t someone — I, for instance — think for you a little, 
poor child.” He was quickly grave, and only interested in 
her affairs at once. 

“Yes; you can.” She looked at him with that tender, 
appealing glance which had warmed the fibres of his heart 
once or twice before. “You must,” she added hurriedly. 
“Come, Hugh — Mr. Broderick — 1 need counsels such as 
you can give. I have acted too long, I am afraid, on my 
own authority, and sometimes lately I feel that perhaps 
I have been arrogant, have thought too much of my own 
opinion. I will ask you very frankly to help, advise me in 
many ways when you come home. Tell me now, — what 
was it to be? — the truth, the whole truth ” 

As she broke off he said quickly: “You were to give 
me headlines. Don’t forget your part of it.” 

She hesitated; her cheeks were pale again as she said: 

“ I want to know more of your life. Why are you, so far 
as 1 can see, simply devoted to work? Have you no — 
have you never had or desired other ties?” 

In the brief silence which fell between them Alison 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


211 


■wondered how she had dared to ask this question; but 
Broderick’s answer came in upon the. thought, his grave, 
quiet tones absorbing all her attention. 

“Do you suppose, my friend,” he said, with that pecul- 
iar smile, at once sad and yet caressing in its sweetness, 
“any man of even average feeling lives out his five-and- 
thirty years without some heart experience? No, no. If 
a man has the ordinary instincts of life, energy, work, 
within him, he has also the need of some human object for 
it i all; and I — yes, Alison, I know what you would ask. 
Once I loved — I thought very dearly — a woman who was 
to have been my wife.” 

Alison listened, waited. He went on, a look of pain in 
his dark eyes, yet speaking with perfect composure: 

“It is, I suppose, like many another man’s and woman’s 
experience. She knew very little of life and the world; 
she was disappointed that my work came to so little, I am 
afraid. She persuaded me to try something else. I did; 
I failed in it. She showed her disappointment in a way 
I could not fail to see: her preference for another man ; 
and, of course, I resigned all claim at once.” 

lie paused, and Alison said gently: “Were you sure?” 

He met her glance again with a peculiar expression in 
his eyes. 

“Oh, yes. I was very sure. The man was — had been 
my friend ; he came to me from her to tell their story. It 
was, he said, a case of irresistible mutual attraction. 
Was there anything for me to do but what I did— give 
her up at once? but in so doing I warned her that he was 
not a man for any woman to trust. I even begged of him 
to leave her. I need scarcely say,” Broderick continued 
wearily, “my advice was thrown away. She married him, 
poor girl !” 


212 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


“Yes?” Alison’s fingers, interlaced on the table before 
her, moved restlessly. “Were they happy?” 

“I never saw them but once — together,” said Broderick. 
“Indeed, I have seldom seen them at all since then, but I 
have heard from time to time, and it has turned out, so I 
am told, a sorry business on both sides. He is, I believe, 
now a professional gambler; you can fancy the life of any 
woman with such a man. Lately I heard a rumor of his 
death out West. I am trying now,” he added,. “to find 
out if it is true.” 

Alison hesitated. She said, “Poor creature !” tried to 
say more, but a queer sense of oppression was upon her 
very power of speech. 

“Now, then,” said Broderick, with a quick change of 
manner; “let us put the past aside. I can scarcely tell 
you how from that hour until this I have lived without 
any personal ambitions beyond my work. That has held 
me, swayed, commanded, owned me. And, let me assure 
you, there is a wonderful inspiration to me in my life! I 
would give much,” he added suddenly, with a keen, quick 
glance, “to be master of the mills — to own ‘Gorman’s’!” 

As she moved her lips to speak he w 7 ent on hurriedly: 

“Don’t misunderstand me! For I want you above all 
things to know just what my apparently sweeping state- 
ments mean. It is not a mean nor sordid ambition, I am 
convinced, for except for what it will buy, its being a 
great factor, a controlling force, I care nothing what- 
ever about money. To be accounted, pointed out, as one 
of the rich men of the world would only annoy me. 1 
might even,” — he smiled upon her eager face, lighted by 
intense interest in every word he was saying, — “fall very 
far short of your ideal of what I would do w T ith money 
were I a capitalist. There would be precious few mere 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


213 


luxuries — for myself, at least; but the money resulting 
from man’s cooperative toil used well and justly — there 
is something ennobling in such a possession! It is the 
opposite, the answer, to idleness, to beggary. Well used 
it is as divine in its mission as ever patient suffering and 
the privations of poverty.” 

“As you said of power.” — 

“Precisely; as wiser men have said of it. All these 
things are the grand sciences, the aids to really Christian 
life, when read aright. Factory life inspires me far 
beyond the mere hum and throb of the machines; yet I 
hear in them the music of the sages, the very pulse beats 
of a nation. Now, then,” he said, breaking off, and, mov- 
ing nearer to where she was seated, he looked down into 
her earnest eyes; “are you satisfied with having drawn 
out some of the thoughts I fancied I could never even put 
into words?” 

“Yes, and I thank you,” she said gravely. 

“And I you, my friend,” he answered quickly. “I 
need a vent terribly, at times, and you little know, you 
cannot understand, how hopelessly uninteresting, — I don’t 
know what else to call it, what other word to use, — my life 
is outside the mill ! I go back to my cheerless room, I 
walk out, I take a book to read: the humanity is not in 
it, some way, there is a never-ending lack, a want, and I 
am better, brighter, for even this short hour with you.” 

“In your life at the mills,” said Alison quickly, “you 
must come in contact with many who suffer, need help; 
what then?” 

“Ah!” exclaimed Broderick, drawing his brows 
together. “ That brings me to a subject I am glad to dis- 
cuss with you. There is, there has been for some time, an 
element of,— what shall I say?— dissatisfaction at the mills. 


214 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


In some cases the workers are in the right, and I have 
stood by them. In others they are merely try ing to make 
confusion, create excitement, a general Babel in which 
their noisy tongues shall be loudest. It is, you will find, 
nine times out of ten the origin of our worst strikes, this 
love of self-glorification, excitement, confusion, paltry 
recognition of some demagogue as a great orator and born 
leader according to his own idea. You see, they have 
never really read history, but they intend to create it on 
their own plan.” 

“And do you fear this sort of trouble we— I have often 
read of?” Alison enquired anxiously. Her ideas of a 
“strike” were decidedly sanguinary, blood-curdling in the 
pictures they presented of gagged “tyrants,” burning 
buildings, shouting mobs. 

“I am watching everything just now,” Broderick 
answered. Then, seeing her look of alarm he gave a low 
laugh and said gently: “Don’t be afraid, my dear child! 
You will have time to put on your hat in peace, even, 
perhaps, to see that all those, — don’t you call them bangs?” 
— glancing at the vagrant soft brown locks on her brow, — 
“curls, are they? — are in proper order, and then to walk 
calmly and sedately downstairs. Oh, no! it will be, if at 
all, a very disagreeable but matter of fact sort of affair, 
in which no wages and idle men in every doorway will 
be the only exciting features.” 

“And can’t you stop it?” exclaimed Alison. 

“Yes; on terms,” — his face had the same quick, set look 
of determination she remembered in the talk with Mrs. 
Broderick when he was urging the juster claims of the 
workingman upon her, — “on terms I’d fling back to them 
before I would accept.” 

“What, for instance?” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


215 


“The refusal to allow any new invention, for one thing, 
to take the place of an old method to make the goods 
cheaper, but the market better. That is one thing. The 
guarding of certain secrets of the craft another. What 
can be openly patented I say every patentee has the right 
to control ; what cannot, is only a way of working, should 
be taught as freely as the alphabet and multiplication table 
to anyone who cares to, who can, learn.” 

A gust of wind and rain together sent the branches of 
an old tree swaying against the window, and the little 
room darkened. Hugh glanced suddenly at the clock. 

“I have taken all your morning!” he exclaimed. He 
looked toward the stairs. “I suppose she is asleep?” he 
asked. 

“Yes. Will you — can you not dine with me?” 

“How I should like to! Would you prepare the din- 
ner?” He laughed. “ Some day I will accept the invita- 
tion I must refuse this morning. I promised to let your 
friend Miss Kate hear how you were.” He hesitated. “A 
walk in the woods would do you good, if the sun will only 
shine.”' 

“Never mind. I feel better, spurred in some way.” 

He laughed lightly, picked up his hat, said, “ Remem- 
ber, if I don’t see you, let me hear from you in the morn- 
ing,” and the next moment Alison was alone. 


CHAPTER XXXII. 


Hilda, though decidedly improved, was still in a criti- 
cal condition, and the day drifted along, showery, uncer- 
tain in its outer aspect, indoors full enough of care and 
anxious watching to fill every moment, and yet, as such 
days do, it lagged. Alison went to sleep late, and was 
awakened by another storm like that of yesterday, windy, 
darkening the atmosphere, raw and chill. 

She had just finished her coffee, stirred the parlor fire 
into a more genial blaze, glad that the invalid slept, 
and was wondering how things were going at Braune 
House, when a boy she had seen often in a neighboring 
street appeared, twisting a piece of paper in his very- 
grimy little hand. 

“It be’s for you; aint you Miss Fane?” said the youth 
with the careless freedom of manner common to the “ small 
boy” of Exeford in general. “The lady’s give it to me is 
waitin’ in the depot.” 

He eyed Alison critically while, with a sudden sense of 
new trouble, she read the few words Agnes Leigh had 
written on the paper: 

“I must see you. I am at depot. Don’t delay; come 
at once. I paid boy. 

“Agnes.” 

Delay! It only seemed as though she could not quickly 
enough make herself ready to hasten to her friend, to 
explain to Janet that “ she had to go out for a short time,” 

216 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


217 


and in less than ten minutes she was on her way, around 
the short cut, across the junction tracks, and to the upper 
entrance of the long line of buildings, including freight-, 
waiting-, and baggage-rooms, for this important station. 
Whatever the cause, Alison thanked God that Agnes 
had been led to send for her! Surely the extremity must 
have been very great, the step was so unusual. 

She saw her directly she entered the door of the ladies’ 
waiting-room. Agnes from her station in the window 
turned a face deathly white, with eyes that fairly burned 
as with unshed tears, and the next moment, with a little 
half-hysterical sob, she said: 

“Alison, dear, it is just for a moment. I am going 
away. I wanted to see you!” 

She held Alison’s hands tightly in both of hers. 

“Going away! What do you mean?” said Alison. 
“ Sit down, dear. No? Can you come back to the cottage 
with me?” 

“Yes — no — I cannot say. I have left my home, Alison, 
left Jack — everything.” She looked steadily at her friend. 
“I wrote a line for him — after what happened yesterday — * 
and told him I was going. I did not say where, but I 
know he will suspect, and Gray Gorman will be waiting 
for me.” 

“Agnes!” Alison spoke the name, and then could say 
no more. She understood it now. Roused by Jack’s 
neglect, — it could be no more, — the poor worn-out, excited 
girl had come away, lured by some specious argument of 
Gorman’s; she knew the main one he could use: her voice, 
a public life, triumph, excitement, success! 

“Agnes,” said Alison, speaking rapidly, but with all the 
energy, decision, of which she was capable, “there is no 
time for words and foolish arguments here. Besides, poor 


218 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


dear, you look really ill. You must do as I say. Come 
back with me to our little place, take breakfast, then we 
can talk more calmly over what is best to be done. No, 
dear, we must not waste another moment.” 

Agnes scarcely hesitated now. She put one of her 
trembling little hands on her friend’s arm, and allowed 
herself to be led slowly, tenderly, by Alison down the 
rough side road she chose, to avoid observation of the 
more crowded thoroughfares, and as quickly as it could be 
accomplished made her way up to Bend Lane. 

The little cottage near the turn in the river never had 
appealed so strongly to Alison as it did just at that 
moment. Something there was about it which gave a 
feeling of rest, security, an honest welcome, to the poor 
traveller, which was far better, and infinitely more sooth- 
ing, than the lonely splendors of the great house she had 
left, and had once so joyously, proudly, called home ! 

“Now, dear,” said Alison a trifle anxiously, as she led 
the way into the cheerful parlor, “you must rest a few 
moments.” 

Agnes apathetically allowed her hostess to remove 
her wraps and make her comfortable in the deep easy 
chair, where she leaned back, her poor little face showing 
white against its dark cushions, her lovely eyes feverish, 
yet so sunken, something infinitely touching and appeal- 
ing about the change of look, color, manner, from the 
proud, superb-looking girl Alison remembered like a 
lovely picture coming down the staircase in the green 
velvet and flashing jewels that night not yet a month ago. 
But she scarcely spoke until she had forced-Agnes to drink 
some coffee and eat part of a round of toast; then she left 
her for a moment, coming back with her hat and outdoor 
garments still on. 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


219 


“You won’t mind my going out for just a little while, 
dear,” she said gently. “I will he back very soon; then 
we must have a long, frank talk. Janet is delighted to 
have you to look after.” 

She bent down, kissing Agnes’ soft cheek tenderly, feel- 
ing it was wet with tears; then, conscious she had some- 
thing to do which would require all of her courage, 
determination, and, it might even be, skill, Alison bent her 
steps rapidly first in the direction of the telegraph office, 
where she sent by the most rapid method the following 
despatch : 

“ To Mr. John Leigh, Braune House , Exetown : 

“Agnes with me. Not well. 

“ From Alison Fane, 

“Bend Lane, Exeford.” 

and, this accomplished, with a mute prayer that her mis- 
sion might not fail, Alison turned her steps toward the 
mill. It was an hour when she would be likely to 'find 
Gray Gorman in his office alone. 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 


Mr. Gray Gorman had just concluded his morning 
mail, 'which he had read with some satisfaction, in that it 
betokened prosperity and an increase of success in various 
business undertakings; but that he was anxious, nervous 
about some other personal matters was clearly evident, 
and when Alison’s knock sounded on the door he said : 
“ Oh, come in,” in a snappish voice, wheeled himself around 
upon his office chair, and prepared himself to be very 
“short” with anyone who had dared intrude upon his seclu- 
sion when the card with “Busy” in big letters hung in a 
prominent place on the outer door. 

lie started as Alison entered. Just what he expected 
Mr. Gorman could not have told, and Alison’s first words 
puzzled him still more. 

“I must see you alone,” she said quietly; “and on busi- 
ness chiefly your own. It is of every importance, Mr. 
Gorman.” 

He changed color but said quickly: 

“Well, we are alone, aint we? Why — you might as 
well sit down.” 

Alison was standing in the window just overlooking the 
courtyard. She hesitated, then said quietly: 

“No. I have only a few words, I hope, to say. I pre- 
fer to stand. Mr. Gorman, Agnes Leigh is at my house.” 

A queer look crept up the young man’s face, resting 
unpleasantly in his eyes; 

“What’s that for?” he asked shortly. “Why didn’t 
she ” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


221 


“She sent for me,” said Alison quickly, the color burn- 
ing in her cheeks, contempt for the man sweeping even 
prudence aside; “I met her at the depot. Mr. Gorman, 
you must not, shall not see her!” 

He turned, looking at the slender young figure, the 
highbred, quiet face of his “hand” at first in a blind rage, 
then he laughed a low, insolent, angry laugh. 

“I shan’t, eh! Well, I rather think, young lady, it’s 
time someone brought you down a peg or two. When a 
lady writes to a gentleman making an appointment to 
meet him — on business — I rather think you can’t keep him 
from keeping it! Oh, no! You may be very smart, or 
think yourself so, and you’ve got well set up, I don’t 
doubt, by a little notice and your being the old woman’s 
granddaughter, but all that won’t work worth a cent here, 
let me tell you! I’ve Agnes’ written words, mind you, 
and — ” he hesitated a moment, and added with the same 
laugh — “if she’s fooled me, I don’t care who knows it!” 

For an instant Alison felt herself fairly sick with the 
horror, the vague dread the man’s words, his threats, gave 
her! Oh, what had, could have, induced Agnes to stoop 
to such folly, such weakness, as to write one word to this 
man ! She had not the least doubt the letter contained 
nothing beyond, or worse than, the fact that she was leav- 
ing home, presumably for a public career; but in the hands 
of such a man, what a weapon even a written line, baldly 
stating the fact, could be! Was there no chivalry, no 
manliness, in the man before her, thought Alison, to 
which she could appeal? 

“And you — you have advised her to this,” said Alison 
in a low, but clear, vibrant voice, her whole look and 
bearing showing her contempt for the man before her. 
“ Would you steal a man’s money as easily as you do him 


222 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


this harm? And which, Mr. Gray Gorman, is the deadlier 
theft ! As for Agnes, do not flatter yourself for an instant 
that she has the least idea of consulting you except in 
regard to an idea she has had for public singing, which 
now, anyway, she is too ill to carry out. Show me her 
letter; I must, I will see it!” 

He laughed; coolly surveying her from head to foot as 
he leaned back against the edge of his desk, insolently, 
tormentingly, composed. 

“Take care, young lady,” he said softly. “You can’t 
defend your poor friend.” He folded his arms. “I’ve an 
old score of long standing,” he went on, “to settle up with 
two or three of them, and I rather think” — he touched his 
breast pocket softly — “the means of doing it is just there. 
See?” He paused while Alison, breathless from dismay 
as well as scorn of the whole proceeding, looked at him 
without speaking. “Ladies who quarrel with their hus- 
bands and don’t find things just to their liking ought to 
be very careful how they put any of their feelings on 
paper! H’m! I rather think what I have here will wipe 
the slate clean out of old scores and begin a new account 
to my credit, on my side!” 

“You refuse to give it to me!” cried Alison with blaz- 
ing cheeks, feeling that were she a man, to have struck 
his insolent, smiling face with her open hand would have 
been infinite satisfaction, to humble him to the dust an 
imperative duty now. “Then let me see, Mr. Gorman, 
what you think of my side of the case, my weapon; for I 
have one which may surprise you ! I came here to Exe- 
ford, when my grandmother died, merely to see how things 
were going, for every bit of this factory ,” — she laid her 
hand on the table near her without moving her eyes from 
his face — “every stick and stone, all that it means and 





























































I ' 



















Gray Gorman Check-mated. 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


223 


brings, is mine , under the last will made by my 
grandmother, Rachel Broderick! You are surprised! 
Well, you may be. A line, a telegram from me to 
a trusty friend in New York would bring every proof 
here within twenty-four hours, and I would call you 
and your partners to a very close accounting, I assure 
you !” 

The man’s face was rigid! Not for an instant did he 
doubt the truth of Alison’s statement. It fitted in to 
what had been the missing parts of a puzzle. But with 
his shrewdness of brain, his kind of quick-wittedness he 
saw that delay was dangerous. Before she left he must 
make some kind of terms with her. A queer, sick feeling 
made him lean heavily against the desk even while he 
watched her without a muscle moving, his thoughts taking 
on lightning rapidity and calculation. 

“So that’s what you’ve been up to, is it?” he said with 
white lips, trembling with suppressed rage; “came here to 
spy, did you? What if we fight you?” 

Alison’s lip curled scornfully. “Try it! My case is 
too clear for any lawyer with brains to touch one against 
me! Oh, no, Mr. Gorman. I promised my grandmother 
in her dying hours to come here, and see ‘Gorman’s’ for 
myself! Well, I have done it!” 

His head dropped, he bit his under lip, still raging 
inwardly, yet certain this girl, whom he had tried so hard 
to keep in her place, held the winning card. 

« Well,” he said at last, looking up sullenly, “what are 
you going to do about it?” 

“Just this,” said Alison quickly, and moving a little 
nearer, “I will let things rest as they are, anyway, far the 
present, nor disturb them without warning, in exchange 
for that letter and your promise to go not a step further 


224 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


in this — mean business; in fact, to keep yourself entirely 
out of Mrs. Leigh’s way for the future.” 

“And if I — don’t see it?” he asked with his mean smile. 

“I shall put the matter in my lawyer’s hands before 
night,” declared Alison. 

A moment — two — three — passed in silence, then Gor- 
man, looking in his sidewise fashion at Alison, said 
slowly : 

“I want that in writing.” 

“Not a word of it!” exclaimed the girl. “The idea! 
Not a creditable paper for you to have on hand! Well, 
take care I do not withdraw my terms!” 

He hesitated, bit his lip, then drew from his pocket 
Agnes’ poor foolish little note, handing it, with a vindict- 
ive look, to his visitor. 

It was, as she had supposed, very brief, in fact, curt. 
It had neither beginning nor special ending: 

“I will be in t Exeford at 10 a. m. Meet me at the cor- 
ner of Dubois and Field roads at 10 : 30 . 

“ Agnes.” 

“I suppose,” said Alison gravely, as she refolded the 
paper and put it in her purse, “you were at the place?” 

He laughed. “Yes, confound it!” 

“And you have nothing more?” 

He shook his head, kicking the surbase near him with 
the toe of his well-polished boot. What right had this 
girl to look at him, speak to him like that? and he’d see 
himself further before he let her make a complete fool of 
him and know how Agnes’ action had incensed and morti- 
fied him ! 

“And what about Jack, eh?” he enquired at last, with 
a smile. 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


225 


“He will be here on the next train,” said Alison, 
who, now that her point was carried, was weak and 
trembling from the effort, the anxiety, the fear, it had 
entailed. 

He changed color again, but Alison said carelessly: 

“It certainly is not part of my plan to mention this 
morning’s work! So far you are safe; and, Mr. Gorman, 
remember: one step in a wrong direction and I will have 
my message on the wires in an hour.” 

She made no motion or word of formal good-by, passed 
out of the room and down the stairs, sick and weak with 
the worry, the struggle of the interview, but oh, how 
devoutly thankful that from even any imprudence, any 
hint of wrong-doing, poor Agnes was free! Physically 
and mentally exhausted she reached home, where before 
even speaking to Agnes she went into her own room and 
kneeling at her bedside, girl-like, relieved her feelings 
by a burst of weeping ; hot passionate tears — perhaps more 
for herself, her own heart needs, her growing sense of lone- 
liness, than even from nervous evhaustion or sympathy 
with her friend, whose courtesy, gentle hospitality , had so 
warmed her heart. 

And at the same hour over in Exetown the master of 
Braune House alone in his study was pacing the floor, rest- 
lessly, moodily, angrily. He was, he told himself, dis- 
graced, cheated for life! An hour ago Agnes’ farewell 
letter had been handed him by the would-be sympathetic 
Mrs. Macneil. 

“I heard all your talk with Mrs. M. in the conserva- 
tory,” wrote Agnes, “that night, and I know where you 
prefer to spend your time. I have already arranged to 
meet a friend in Exeford who is kindly interested in my 
15 


226 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


future. I need say no more. Final matters had best be 
attended to by lawyers, without our meeting.” 

Wretched, angered, maddened as he felt, Jack knew" 
that he had allowed the sweetness of that honeymoon in 
which the flower house was built to die away embittered 
by his own carelessness, neglect, urged on by the flatteries, 
the soft speeches of another woman. To make an hour or 
two, which would have hung heavy on his hands, pass 
lightly he had let poor Agnes, his childless young wife, 
with all her keen, high spirits, her passionate, enthusias- 
tic nature, brood and grieve in silence over her wrongs 
until she had believed them only to be avenged, not 
righted! What had come to her, thought Jack, that she 
should have taken such a step! How was he ever to hold 

up his head again ! Why, even Tasia And then with 

a queer laugh Jack remembered what her last words an hour 
or so before had been : “ You're actually as dull as a man 
in love with his wife/” Was he? Jack stood still, 
shrugged his shoulders, then turned suddenly to see the 
face and figure of Mrs. Macneil in the doorway. 

“Is there — can I do anything for you, Mr. John?” 
the housekeeper said sympathetically. As he looked — 
I had almost said glared — at her, Mrs. Macneil con- 
tinued: “I’m so heart sorry, sir! But I’ve seen it for 
a long time a-coming, and I’d ougliter hev warned you, 
sir, but you were so blind, sir! She was young and always 
giddy ” 

“ She — of whom are you talking?” almost thundered Jack. 
“If you mean your mistress, Mrs. Leigh, as 1 can’t pre- 
tend not to see you do, I beg you will make no further 
allusions of the kind — to me or to anyone. Do you per- 
fectly understand me, Mrs. Macneil, or must 1 make my 
meaning clearer? To anyone — here or anywhere. Now 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


9*7 

Ai i 


you can leave me, if you please. When I' wish to see you 
again I will send you word or ring.” 

The woman, too angry even to try to speak, was mov- 
ing sullenly away when the housemaid, Jane, came hurry- 
ing along, having one of the ominous yellow envelopes 
and books in her hand. 

“Just here, sir,” she said, politely indicating the place 
for Jack to sign. He did it mechanically, and, with fin- 
gers whose nervousness he could not conceal, tore the 
envelope open. He read it once, twice, then lifting a 
very white, dull-looking face, said, addressing Jane: 

“ Get your mistress’ rooms ready, aired, whatever should 
be done. She is with Miss Fane, quite ill! She must 
have been ill when she started !” 

And as the women hurriedly withdrew Jack paced the 
floor once or twice, his face drawm and set. 

“And God help me! But for Alison, perhaps No, 

no, I will see her! This is no time for doubt, or anything 
but getting the poor child directly home. My God! 
what shall I perhaps have to hear?” 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 


“And that is all, Alison, dear.” 

Agnes, still weak and feverish, was the speaker, as, lean- 
ing back in the great easy chair, she finished her brief 
recital. “You see, day after day he seemed to care only 
for getting away from home to spend his time there — with 
her. I can’t tell you how or what I felt; then, when I 
felt I should stifle if I didn’t get away, I wrote to Gray 
Gorman — I merely meant to use him as a means for my 
getting to New York and trying what could be done with 
my voice. I knew I could earn my way at least, and Jack 
surely no longer needed me; the caring was over long ago. 
Mrs. Macneil would make him comfortable in my absence. 
I had lost my influence, he was scarcely ever with me, 
nothing seemed to interest him at home, and he could lose 
nothing by my absence! Some way, during those last 
days, my very presence seemed an irritation! Oh, how 
often I wished we were poor* struggling ! That I had a 
little home to make bright for him after a hard day’s 
work!” her sweet eyes filled, her lips quivered. “Alison, 
many and many a time I’ve envied the poorest woman 
working all day, taking one of her children in her arms 
and going out at six o’clock to meet her husband ! I used 
often to see one such! Last summer, when I often walked 
out alone late in the afternoon while Jack was busy some- 
where, I got acquainted with her very easily, and she 
told me all the story; how they married too young, 
perhaps, but her 4 man,’ as she called him, would not leave 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


229 


home in England, 'without her; and they’d worked hard, 
had their ups and downs, sickness, poverty, death, even, 
but ‘he’ had been so true and she’d always kept her place 
tidy, and they were saving a bit now. O Alison, how 
it made my heart hungry! Once or twice from a little 
distance I watched them meet! It was a picture! He 
would toss the baby up, then they’d trudge along home, 
the child in his arms! Sometimes I felt as if I could cry 
aloud to the very heavens above me when I would go 
home, to that great, beautiful house, and feel myself miles, 
leagues away from the man I loved, and who had taken 
me for better or for worse! Do you know, I have come 
almost to wish some sudden, strange wheel of fortune 
would make us poor, force Jack to hard work, to looking 
for every home comfort to me, to these hands of mine he 
cares for now only because they are white and soft, and 
shining with jewels.” 

She held them out appealingly. Her tears were flowing 
now unchecked, and with a little sob infinitely miserable 
and hopeless, she turned, and leaning her arms on the 
chair bent her head down, bursting into tears. 

Alison’s heart was beating with swift, anxious strokes 
as for an instant she hesitated; then, putting her hand on 
the bowed head, she knelt down, saying in a low, quick 
voice: 

“Agnes, you little know 7 how near that wish comes to 
the truth; for all that Jack owns is in danger this very 
moment! To-day, to-morrow, any moment may see him a 
ruined man ! Would you have trouble like this fall upon 
him alone— with you away— believing you had wilfully 
at such a time deserted him*!” 

Agnes sprang to her feet. She pressed Alison’s arm 
with her hand eagerly. 


230 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


“Alison!” she whispered, “what do you mean! How 
can that be !” 

“Iam telling you the truth,” said Alison, half frightened 
at what she had said and done. “There is trouble in the 
air. It may come to nothing, but it may be terribly 
serious.” 

“You are sure?” 

“ Perfectly.” 

“And does — my husband know it?” 

“He may very soon. O Agnes! Dear friend! Do 
not hesitate! Go — go back of yourself! Tell him, if 
need be, all the struggle, the misery, the temptation, 
how you love him! Surely this is the moment for free 
speech between you, perfect understanding. Do not 
lose it!” 

“Wait; let me think,” said Agnes. She pressed the 
palms of her hot little hands closely together. Then sud- 
denly she raised her eyes. 

“Alison,” she half whispered, “will you come with me? 
Will you take me home?” 

“My dearest,” — Alison’s eyes were streaming now, and 
she put her arms closely about the swaying, slender young 
figure — “ I would take you ten times the distance too thank- 
fully; but now that you have made the decision for your- 
’self, let me tell you — wait half an hour, for I think, I am 
almost sure, that length of time will bring Jack Leigh him- 
self over here.” 

But Agnes’ feverish strength had spent itself, and Kate 
Egerton appeared ten minutes later to find young Mrs. 
Leigh in a dead faint on Alison’s lounge, Alison and old 
Janet both occupied anxiously in bringing back some life 
to the cold limbs, the white, still face, from which every 
vestige of consciousness had faded. 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


231 


“ What on earth brought her here, weak as all that?” 
whispered Kate. 

“Business,” said Alison. “But Jack will be over on 
this train.” 

And as Kitty passed out on her way to the druggist, she 
met the young master of Braune House striding along 
from the depot as though quite prepared for the sight 
w T hich greeted him on reaching Alison’s little doorway. 


CHAPTER XXXV. 


Jack’s face was scarcely less white than his young 
wife’s as, hardly hearing what was said, he bent over her, 
lifted one little lifeless hand in his, then, looking eagerly 
at Alison, said in a husky voice: 

“ When — how was it — what brought her here?” 

And as Kitty with her ready tact had withdrawn a 
little, Alison whispered : 

“ The fever must have been already working on her. 
She was terribly excited and ill when she came. She 
waited at the station and sent for me.” 

“ Thanh God!” 

Alison well knew what it meant. 

“ I sent .for you directly I got her here. She — she 
fancied you would be happier icithout her.” 

Jack gave Alison a searching look, turned away, then 
as she was still chafing the cold hands, he bent down, 
kneeling beside her and taking one of Agnes’ hands 
quickly in his own. 

“Is the doctor coming?” he asked. “God bless you, 
Alison ! There may be better days ahead. Agnes,” he 
murmured, bending over her and touching her closed eyes 
with his lips, “my sweetheart, look at me.” 

Slowly, very strangely, with a long, fluttering sigh, the 
girl’s white eyelids lifted, the dark eyes gazed straight 
into his. 

“My little girl — my little Nell,” she murmured faintly, 
“ where have they put her?” 


232 


ALISON' 8 ADVENTURES. 


233 


In that strange dreamland it almost seemed as if the 
child must have spoken; and as Jack bent over his wife, 
kissing her tenderly, whispering words of gentlest endear- 
ment, Alison, motioning to Kate to follow, slipped out of 
the room. In the hall Kitty whispered anxiously: “It 
will be all right now? He will take her home himself. 
We must not forget poor Hilda.” 

“No, no. There is your father!” said Alison with 
deep relief as the doctor’s familiar figure drew near. “ Oh, 
I am so glad. I can never tell you half how glad I am that 
Jack is here, that it is all right. Kitty, dear, go up to 
Hilda. I must not leave Jack to excite or worry Agnes.” 

And welcoming the doctor with a smile, Alison led the 
way into the little parlor, where Jack was sitting at his 
wife’s side, his arm about her waist, her head upon his 
shoulder. 

A brief, anxious consultation ensued, which resulted in 
Jack’s going off to procure the easiest possible conveyance 
in which to take Agnes gently as a tired child back to 
Braune House. Whether an illness were impending or 
not, the good doctor found it hard to say, but he felt quite 
sure the journey in that way could be performed in safety, 
in any case she would be better off at home, and to have 
seen Jack’s eagerness in all details, his anxiety to know 
just what had best and could be done for Agnes’ comfort, 
safety, well-being in every way, no one would have 
dreamed that twenty-four hours ago he had seen her slowly 
mount the stairs to her own room without even so much as 
a formal “good-night,” and Agnes clung to, watched his 
every movement, holding his hand from time to time, as 
though dreading to lose the magic of his touch. That she 
was very ill, all knew. Alison feared the worst, yet as 
she saw her lifted in her husband’s arms into the carriage, 


234 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


as she watched them drive slowly away, and turned back 
to the little cottage and her other charge, there was only 
room in her heart for deepest thanksgiving. Come what 
would, Agnes had won the day, and no stain of wrong- 
doing was in the new life which it might be God’s tender 
will to let her begin, once more her husband’s companion 
and cherished wife. 

But all of this had involved Alison in perplexities of a 
deeper character; for how was this affair with Gorman to 
end? She was very well aware matters would soon reach 
a crisis, in which a decision, one which might change the 
tenor of all their lives, would be imperative. To appeal 
to Broderick would have been her first thought, but for 
her unwritten bond with Gray Gorman, and she almost 
wished he would take some step, in regard to mill matters, 
which would release her from her promise. Small chance 
of that, however, just now, and if Broderick were to go 
away on business, as he had said was possible, she would 
feel herself even more at sea! Would Agnes and her hus- 
band ever guess at what a price she had bought back that 
scrap of paper, and bound young Gorman over to silence 
and inaction? There had been just time to let Agnes 
know what had taken place, to let her see the letter 
destroyed, burned before their eyes, as, Alison said, “all 
recollection of it and its cause must be in their memories.” 
But Alison felt now the weight of her agreement cruelly 
oppressive. I am inclined to think her anxiety to talk it 
all over with Broderick, and the ban of silence imposed, 
was the most galling part of the yoke, which made her 
smile, and the color dye her cheeks, since was not that in 
itself a glaring proof of her own growing dependence on 
this very independent young “master workman” of Gor- 
man’s, as she had heard Broderick called by some of his 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


235 


fellow-craftsmen? Well, tlicre was certainly something 
brooding. Alison roused herself to see to Hilda Benton, 
with a feeling she could not shake off, that what had just 
taken place was really but the “beginning of the end.” 
The past might have held its perplexities, needs for anx- 
ious, careful decision, its all too brief hours of delicious 
happiness, companionship, moving of heart to heart, soul 
to soul, but the future she felt very sure would be the real 
battlefield. 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 


One clear, cold morning soon after the events chronicled 
in the last chapter, a trim-built young man wearing eye- 
glasses and carrying a neat-looking “grip ” stepped off the 
New York train at Exeford, and was almost at once 
accosted by a gentleman of middle age and very genial 
countenance, who lifted his broad-brimmed hat, said: 
“Dr. Holton, I believe; well, I’m Egerton,” and the con- 
freres in the healing science, each known to the other by 
reputation, shook hands warmly as members of that mys- 
tic fraternity are wont to do when cases are peculiarly 
interesting. 

“Bad business this fever, eh, doctor?” said the younger 
man. “Let me see: I’m to take a train, I believe, for 
Exetown, near by.” 

“Not for an hour,” said the other briskly; “and Dr. 
Forbes and I would be pleased to consult with you, if it’s 
not too informal. I read your paper on the germs last 
month.” 

“And I heard you address the Society three 

years ago,” smiled the young doctor. “ So you see I have 
to acknowledge my indebtedness.” 

“Well, well! we’re not so out of the world, after all! I 
was talking to an Albany man the other day How- 

ever, I mustn’t forget the business in hand, lion’ll find 
Forbes keen, smart as a whip; he is determined to slay the 
dragon this year, for never was a grander, finer climate 
than ours! There cannot be any reasons for disease 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 237 

spreading unless in the condition of some of the dwell- 
ings.” 

A brisk-looking little conveyance was in waiting, and 
as the doctor assisted his guest into it, he went on to say: 

“The wife of one of our prominent men is ill here with 
this ‘touch and go’ fever — she is a great friend, by the 
way, of Miss Fane, and I fear contracted the fever through 
a rather rash visit over to our town one wet morning; 
system all ready for it, run down, overwrought, every 
nerve quivering.” 

It certainly had not been part of Holton’s programme to 
spend an unnecessary moment in Exeford on the journey 
to Hilda Benton’s sick bed, but, as matters stood, he 
could only interest himself in the case in hand, appealing 
to him peculiarly now that he had learned its origin. 

Braune House looked a very different place on this occa- 
sion from the last time its gates were opened to admit any 
friend from Exeford, but there was at all seasons a gran- 
deur about the fine old avenue, the stately imposing 
mansion, and as a matter of course the Exeford doctor 
mentioned, its historic claims to his companion, who was 
duly impressed, and like most of strangers visiting the 
scene, his first thought was what an ideal home, — a 
feeling encouraged by the first glimpse of the great firelit 
hall, with its background of tropical color, warmth, and 
bloom, but the stillness over everything told an anxious 
story. Very quietly did the three doctors hold their con- 
sultation and make their visit to the luxurious chamber 
where lay the beautiful wife of the master of the house, 
who could not conceal his impatience while the great men 
held their secret conclave, but paced the floor of the hall, 
wondering why it took them so long to formulate their 
bad news. For lie feared only the worst; yet, the New 


238 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


York doctor bad in bis bearing said decidedly: “Her 
anxiety to get well is greatly in ber favor!” 

So sbe wanted to live! Poor Agnes! Well, God will- 
ing, Jack told bimself, there should be something to live 
for. 

“Try change of air as soon as you can,” said Dr. Holton 
finally to bis host. “Even at this season of the year you 
will find it may be the best thing for her, especially as sbe 
seems so anxious for it herself. Nine times out of ten 
what is a distinct craving on the part of the patient is 
nature’s wisest remedy.” And be detailed one or two 
striking instances of bis theory, while Leigh listened, pon- 
dered, finally said, turning to Dr. Egerton, who had just 
reappeared: “Doctor, how would Pendarley do for my 
wife? You know the place: fine, high air, not too much 
exposed.” 

“Excellent; and such an easy journey, could be made in 
a carriage in three hours, 1 should think. Come now, 
doctor,” he added to the young New Yorker, “we must 
not miss our train.” 

And, scarcely touching the refreshments offered, Dr. 
Egerton bore his colleague away, assuring him, quite 
unnecessarily, that he was taking him to a case even 
more interesting than the one they were leaving. 

“But that young friend of yours who sent word — Miss 
Fane — is a trump! My Kate very seldom makes a mis- 
take, and she just swears by her! Wonderful good breed- 
ing about the girl, and something, I can’t just say what, 
but it puzzles me! She looks born and bred, best of all 
by nature, fitted to high places. Well, well, a doctor’s 
‘magic lantern’ shows up many a queer slide!” 

A sentiment the young New Yorker echoed most 
emphatically. 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


239 


Exeford, with its many tall smoke stacks, irregularities 
of architecture, hum, and bustle, made the young doctor’s 
pulses quicken as they drew near it, and once on the plat- 
form he could hardly accommodate himself to the doctor’s 
somewhat leisurely pace, but the short cut was taken, 
and ten minutes later Dr. Holton was shaking hands with 
Alison, his professional instinct detecting a change not 
altogether for the better in the girl’s looks, then following 
her up the little staircase met gratitude — was there not 
something more? — in the glance poor Hilda turned upon 
him. 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 


“I declare,” remarked Miss Egerton, as she watched 
Alison measuring some tea in a small spoon from her 
caddy; “we can preach woman’s rights and her wrongs as 
loudly as we like— but, my dear, how we do like a man’s 
opinion now and then, don’t we?” 

Alison laughed lightly. “Go on,” she said, looking up 
merrily. “That is the beginning, I am very sure, of 
something most important.” 

“Well, I was just thinking,” said Kate, “that there is 
Hilda Benton ‘picking up’, after Dr. Holton said she 
would, and Agnes writing over to know how soon Hilda 
can join her at Pendarley ! Now if those wise men of ours 
had said stay at home, sig. 500 grs ., what then?” 

“Despair!” said Alison, “and decided disappointment 
to the nursing sisterhood, for 1 am quite as eager for the 
trip as ever Hilda or Agnes.” 

“And a jolly good thing, too,” said the doctor’s daugh- 
ter, with a shrewd look at Alison. “No more fever cases 
just yet, if you please, for me! Oh, you’ll pick up won- 
derfully at Pendarley ! I’m so glad the guide-books and 
towns-people and all that sort have forgotten it; just as it 
is, it is pictresque and primitive and enchanting. You’ll 
find no end of old things, my dear, to rave over, from 
people to high back chairs and ugly plates. Old Miss 
Homer lives there — one of the clan ! She was born some 
hundred or two years ago and lives in the funniest little 
four-room cottage, and, of course, makes gloves.” 

240 


4 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


241 


“See here, why not take board with Miss Homer! I 
shouldn’t wonder if the old lady would jump at it, and 
with her you could do as you liked.” 

“Shall I suggest it to Agnes Leigh?” 

“Do! I wonder they never thought of it! Oh, here 
come our doctors.” Kitty, with her frankest air, was say- 
ing: “How do you do, Dr. Holton? Daddy, you never 
looked in the glass when you tied that cravat!” 

“Miss Fane,” said Dr. Egerton, compelled to submit 
himself and his cravat to his daughter’s quick little fin- 
gers, “ why don’t you send this damsel about her business 
if she is bothering you?” 

“But she isn’t,” said Alison. “On the contrary, she’s 
a fund of most useful and entertaining information !” 

“Yes, daddy dear,” said Kate, drawing back to survey 
her work, “I’ve been cracking up Pendarley as just the 
place to take Miss Benton. Dr. Holton, I leave it to you. 
Wouldn’t the change do her great good?” 

“You knew!” said her father; but seeing a perfectly 
blank look on Kate’s face, really genuine, he added: 
“Holton has a letter here from Jack Leigh urging that you 
and your friend shall go down to a cottage there with 
his wife. It is an old friend’s, Miss Homer’s. So like 
Jack and Agnes to do someone a good turn while they’re 
at it.” 

Kate clapped her hands with delight. “There now, 
daddy ! Hold your dear old head up and look proud of 
your daughter. That’s just what I’ve been advising!” 

And a very brief consultation over a letter from Braune 
House brought the matter to a decision. Leigh wrote 
they could have Miss Homer’s cottage “right in Pendarley 
woocjp,;” and room at the little inn, and all Agnes needed 
was to be sure of their company. 

16 


242 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


“Of course, now,” said Dr. Egerton, “all care in regard 
to moving Miss Hilda will be at an end. The Leighs 
always make everything royally comfortable in travelling.” 

Alison smiled, said “certainly,” decided to accept the 
plan, which would no doubt ensure personal comfort all 
around and really entail no obligation she could not repay. 
The doctors reported Hilda as decidedly better; her worst 
symptom, the weakness, could best be met by the change 
of air prescribed. 

“My mission seems about over,” said Dr. Holton, who 
lingered after the older physician and his daughter had 
left, and stood alone for a few moments with Alison in the 
little parlor; “and I have a few patients who may really 
be needing me in New York,” and as he took his leave he 
added: “But I will not fail to see you and Hilda in the 
morning.” 

Alison, left alone, stood still a moment in the cottage 
window, deep in thought. Not far away to the left rose 
the gaunt chimneys of “Gorman’s.” 

“All sides seem to need, to demand, just what I really 
could do,” she murmured half aloud; “and yet, for that 
one reason only, cannot give!” 

How cruel, tantalizing, baffling fate seemed! And was 
her promise worth so much? Well, she had given it, 
scorning the written bond. She had pledged her word 
until, or rather unless some great emergency arose, to 
remain for a time passively silent. 

Pendarley, as Kate Egerton had said, seemed to have 
been overlooked or forgotten when that region of the 
country was suddenly discovered by tourists and invalids 
to be so beautiful, life-giving, and remote from the toil 
and bustle of the madding crowd. For it was, and is, 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


243 


the quaintest of little villages, nestling among the eternal 
hills, yet on a high ground swept by a breeze laden with 
the odors of pine and balsam. One straggling main street 
with very unobtrusive off-shoots comprised its business 
portion; two or three villas belonging to New York or 
Albany families who summered here, a few stores, and a 
tavern or small hotel, whose trade at this season consisted 
chiefly in transient custom, made up the rest of the village 
proper, so that, when on a certain clear, crisp, but not 
very cold day our travellers drove up to the hotel door- 
way, Mrs. Fenn, the landlord’s wife, had plenty of time 
to wait on them in the best manner possible, especially as, 
after inspecting the diminutive proportions of Miss Homer’s 
cottage close by, it had been decided that, while Alison 
and her charge took up their abode with the old lady, 
Agnes and her nurse, without whose care she could not be 
for a time yet, should occupy Mrs. Fenn’s best rooms, 
which were well aired, with fires lighted, and with 
every possible preparation made for the comfort of the 
party. 

Alison and Hilda did not leave the carriage, but drove 
on, the former promising to return later in the day, when 
they should be settled in their new quarters. 

Hilda, naturally, was tired from the long drive, yet 
there was a better color in her cheeks, a brightness in her 
eyes more encouraging than at any time since she had 
begun to convalesce, and in answer to Alison’s query she 
declared it was a “good tired, the kind which makes one 
think of a nice long nap.” 

The quaint little village street came to an abrupt end- 
ing. The road it opened upon was more like a clearing, 
and there, just as Kate had told them, as if dropped down 
from above for a human habitation, stood Miss Homer’s 


244 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


little cottage, two rooms below, tw^o above, and in the 
doorway the old lady herself, tall, thin, angular, and flat- 
chested, the typical “maiden lady” of the stage or 
romance, but with the very kindliest of faces. Her hair, 
brushed back from behind her ears, and wound into a 
tight knot at the back of her head, was thin, dark, and 
plentifully streaked with gray, her mouth w'as drawn up 
into a comical pucker, as though she would like to “smile 
right out,” as she used to say, but “didn’t like to give 
way.” 

“Well,” was Miss Homer’s greeting, “so you’re all 
here! Now, I guess you can come right in.” 

She gazed helplessly while Alison, whose years of for- 
eign travel had taught her how to condense one’s belong- 
ings, gathered the few packages together; she made a little 
rush at them then, and finally all were in the breezy, pine- 
scented parlor of the “Half House,” wdiose quaint design, 
great open fireplace, deep-set windows, and floor shining 
from its beeswax scrubbing, made up an interior thor- 
oughly justifying Irate’s opinion, and when Hilda was 
seated in the deep easy chair, the pine logs crackling and 
burning merrily, Alison felt as though, to again quote the 
irrepressible Kate, “a good day’s work” had indeed been 
done when they decided upon coming here and, as she 
gayly declared, she would get the best of it; they must 
not let her forget her mission as nurse, or she would make 
it all play ! 

When Hilda was made comfortable Miss Homer, with a 
very mysterious air, beckoned Alison into the room just 
across the hall. She opened the door, revealed a rather 
bare, but scrupulously clean kitchen with a little lean-to 
in the rear. 

“There!” she said in her short, somewhat constrained 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


245 


way; “it’s the best I can do. You see, we hev to take 
our meals right here.” 

“And why not?” declared Alison, as, turning to the old 
lady, she held out her hands, saying in her gentlest tones: 
“Miss Homer, you and I must have some long talks some 
of these days, for you know we are related. At least ” 

“Oh, I know,” said the old lady. “You’re Donald 
Fane’s daughter and Rachel Broderick’s grandchild! 
Aint much kin , but if you’re one as cares for family, why, 
I guess I can give you your fill here. Most everyone 
round about comes to me when there’s any papers to 
be drawed up or things like that. Why, Squire Jackson’s 
girl Sarah’d never hev got a bit of the Home Farm i£it 
’twan’t for me up and telling her grandma what she never 
knew of her own before or since! Well, now I’m glad 
you think my place ’ll do. Jest you make yourselves to 
home, right straight off ! There’s only a narrer flight of 
stairs to climb up to your sleepin ’-place, and I guess 
you’ll live downstairs most all day.” 

Alison said she was sure they would, and leaving their 
kindly hostess in her kitchen, she went back to find Hilda 
languidly, but with great interest, moving about from one 
object in the quaint room to another, inspecting, enjoying 
everything, pleased as a child. 

“And oh, draw in the smell of the pines!” said Alison. 
“Perfumes of Arabia! See,” and she lifted some of the 
cones lying in the wood-basket, flinging them into the 
blaze on the hearth, “isn’t that delicious, Hilda?” 

“Like life,” said the other girl, and leaning back in the 
low deep easy chair she watched Alison attentively. Ali- 
son was kneeling on the hearth, her eyes fixed on the 
blaze, her thoughts — where? Firelight brings strange 
fancies. 


246 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


“Alison,” said her companion in a very tender voice, 
and laying her hand on her friend’s shoulder, “why are 
you so good to me? I wonder, dear, if I ever seem 
ungrateful? If so, I am not. I cannot tell you what I 
would do — be — to make you happy!” 

“Happy!” echoed Alison, turning suddenly so that her 
friend saw tears lying on her dark lashes ; “ am I not, do you 
think? Well, if perhaps I am not always quite as happy 
as I might be, I have much — much to make me so !” 

Hilda, made comfortable on the lounge with a little old- 
fashioned looking book Miss Homer had offered, Alison 
started across, up the road from the clearing, toward the 
inn, where, as she well knew, Agnes would be eagerly 
waiting for her, and Miss Blakesley, the nurse, would be 
ready, no doubt, to be relieved for an hour. 

Mrs. Fenn’s little hotel was soon in view, and presently 
Alison and Miss Blakesley, the young nurse, were chatting 
together, and, Alison understanding what to do, Miss 
Blakesley departed for a little stroll in the woodland and 
a much needed rest. 


CHAPTER XXXVIII. 


Alison did not try to conceal her pleasure in welcoming 
Broderick as a guest in the Half House, where Miss Homer 
had already begun preparations for a supper worthy such 
an occasion; she, like most of the people who had worked 
under him, regarding Hugh in a peculiar light, as of 
far more importance than the actual master of the mills, 
even if he was only its foreman, and of himself a person of 
ideas and principles such as warranted his receiving an 
unstinted amount of attention and respect, and Broderick’s 
manner toward the ancient lady was, Alison thought, 
quite perfect, combining that deference, which comes of a 
sense of chivalry in any honest-minded man toward the 
weaker sex, with a little good-humored banter which the 
spinster thoroughly enjoyed and parried with her own 
keen wit in a way which was amusing to them all. 

Tea was served early on account of choir practice, which 
Alison had promised to attend, and was laid out in the fire- 
lit parlor, and if Alison’s hands were nearly scalded 
through Broderick’s clumsiness in trying to help her lift 
the tea kettle, at just the right moment, it only occasioned 
a general laugh and enabled Miss Homer to point a moral 
to her objection to that kind o’ tea! But as Alison’s 
eyes challenged Hugh to find fault with it he declared so 
promptly in favor of the new style, that Miss Homer’s 
faith in herself was shaken, and she began to wonder if 
that wan’t the way her grandmother Jackson used to 
make tea for her brother, who was a mate on a merchant 
vessel between here and Hong Kong. 

247 


248 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


This led to further reminiscences; to Miss Homer’s 
admission that she had a few “olden time” things in the 
garret upstairs Alison might see if she liked, the next day; 
and when the meal ended and Hilda was comfortably settled 
on her lounge — Alison set out with her willing cavalier for 
the meeting-house and choir practice. Broderick enquired 
whether among other things she contemplated house- 
keeping? 

Alison’s eyes danced. “Yes,” she assented lightly. 
“And, oh, to-morrow, or to-night, I’ll tell you what you can 
do. I’ve a notion of— well, how the Half House could be 
improved and enlarged a bit with very little expense. 
Will you help me draw out a plan?” 

“See here!” declared Broderick. “You’re far deeper 
than you look ! I believe you have a plant of some kind at 
work. What does a small young thing like you want with 
houses, and — well, different things?” 

“Half houses,” corrected the girl gayly, “and haven’t I 
an old age to consider. Oh, but I’m a prudent one! I 
don’t mean to be an incumbrance or homeless or anything 
like that in my ripe old age, when I wear a cap and spec- 
tacles. I’m ‘saving the pence,’ as the old adage recom- 
mends.” 

“ Well, to quote your own phrase, we’ll see. Now, here 
we are. May I ask what you intend to sing?” The meet- 
ing-house was a long, narrow building of pine once painted 
a reddish brown. Within was a high-shouldered sort 
of loft or gallery into which Alison and Broderick were 
conducted by two or three prominent members as soon 
as they appeared, and where presently her clear, soft, very 
sweet, but never brilliant, voice was uplifted, first in 
“ Rock of Ages,” then in “ Nearer, my God, to Thee,” finally, 
with Hugh’s voice joining hers, in “As Pants the Hart 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


249 


for Cooling Streams.” Even while the little company 
gathered about was complimenting her in the half shy, 
rural fashion, the girl said very little, but when they were 
out on the roadway again for the homeward walk she 
observed quietly : 

“You never told me you could sing.” 

“Can I?” 

“You could in time. When we go home will you sing 
for Hilda and Miss Homer and me ? ” 

“Yes, perhaps.” 

“We are not late. When we get home we will amuse 
Hilda by our house-planning. Just now, understand, I 
want chiefly to be amused.” 

They were soon close to their journey’s end. The light 
of the queer little Half House twinkled out, cheery red 
and yellow gleams across the woodland. 

“.Dear little place,” said Alison. “Yes, some day I feel 
sure it will be mine ! Come in now and show us how it 
can best be made into a whole house. But mind ! you 
must not hurt its peculiar character, its primitive sim- 
plicity — what shall I call it ? ” 

In a moment more they were in the cheery little parlor, 
and Miss Homer from the kitchen called out: 

“Well, I guess you’ve about practised all ’ll be sung 
down there for a year to come!” 

And when Alison went in with sparkling eyes and 
cheeks rosy from the cold night air to say that she felt 
in an excellent frame of mind toward something eat- 
able, Miss Homer, to use her own expression, “brisked 
about,” producing home-made cider, the famous pies, 
and bread as well “raised” as ever heart of man could 
wish. 

“Are we to consider mere expenditure?” said Broderick 


250 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


looking across the table half an hour later, “or am I to 
make a reckless, Vanderbiltian sketch?” 

The lamp burned cheerily. Alison had her knitting, 
facing Hugh. Hilda was reclining in an easy chair, and 
Miss Homer was darning stockings on the third side of 
the table. 

“ Oh, of course !” said Alison promptly. “ Miss Homer, 
just listen to him! No; we can afford to spend — well, 
just fifteen hundred dollars.” 

Hugh laughed back at her. “ Why, for that I can design 
you something wonderfully good. The living-room must 
be large and with several windows.” 

“Yes, and a very big, old-fashioned fireplace.” 

His pencil moved now, rapidly. Its sound and the 
occasional falling of the logs on the hearth alone broke 
the stillness. 

Alison gave the lamp a little screw up and down, 
hoping to increase its brilliancy, and at last Hugh stood 
up, bringing his chair and the drawing around to where 
she sat. 

“There,” he said, now evidently as much interested as 
Alison had been herself. “What do you say to this? 
Can you all see? The entrance leads directly into the liv- 
ing room, but you will see that I have devised a side door 
where in wet weather people can go in and so not disturb 
the exquisite cleanliness of your floor; and I have sug- 
gested a half door — see, one of those delightful old-time 
doorways, with two parts. Now, here is your home 
room.” 

It was sketched with windows back and front, with the 
little “L” Alison’s fancy coveted for a sort of reading 
recess, and where divans would come in delightfully. 
The fireplace was quite ample enough to satisfy even her 


ALISON’ 8 ADVENTURES. 


251 


ambition for such a “house place.” A square recess in 
the hall at the lower end of the room was explained to 
mean shelves “for all your valuable bric-a-brac and your 
yellow or green silk curtaining. Green with pink threads, 
wasn’t it?” added Hugh with a twinkle in his eyes as he 
looked at Alison. 

A small dining room and a kitchen with the lean-to 
for which Miss Homer pleaded, was on the same floor, and 
a tiny room whose object, when pressed for an explana- 
tion, Broderick said he meant for the study of the lady 
of the house, and his pencil indicated various little points 
where her desk, her special chair, table, etc., her book- 
shelves were to be placed. 

Upstairs he had designed four sleeping rooms around a 
square hall — the staircase being well contrived from the 
back of the house. 

“Subject to a builder who understood his work,” 
said Broderick finally, “I’ll venture to say you could do 
it all nicely for your fifteen hundred dollars, or less.” 

He was about to tear the paper up, when Alison, with a 
frightened “Oh!” put out her hand and drew it quickly 
toward her. 

Then they all sang in turn some old familiar songs, and 
finally Miss Homer stood up, without any awkwardness, 
and a singularly sweet, gentle look on her plain face. 
She coughed once or twice, and then in a high-pitched, 
quavering, yet by no means unmelodious voice, sang 
quietly: 


“ Father of heaven and earth, 

I bless thee for the night, 

The soft, still, night ! 

The holy pause of care and mirth 
Of sound and light ! 


252 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


“ Yes, ere I sink to rest, 

By the fire’s dying light, 

Thou Lord of earth and heaven ! 

I bless thee who has given 
Unto life’s fainting travellers 
The night — the soft, still night.” * 

“ Aint sung that since .Jane Doyle was buried,” remarked 
Miss Homer, calmly sitting down again; “she liked to hear 
it nights when I sot up with her.” 

“It will be my good-night,” said Broderick, as he stood 
up; “and I’ll carry it all the way back to Mrs. Fenn’s 
with me.” 


♦Mrs. Hemans. 


CHAPTER XXXIX. 

One sharp, cold afternoon in the same November the 
young ladies employed at Been & Harrison’s were “in 
evidence,” very promptly on the sounding of the hour for 
closing and taking stock, and two or three who managed 
to escape five minutes ahead of schedule time to the 
dressing-rooms exchanged eager confidences over some 
pleasure in view for the evening, lamenting in good- 
natured tones the fact that our friend Molly Norton 
could not accompany them. 

“You don’t look a bit well, either, Molly dear,” said a 
tall, dark-eyed young girl, giving a little shake and 
shiver to her shoulders and skirts as she withdrew reluc- 
tantly from the one looking-glass the room afforded; “I 
was noticing that to Bobby only yesterday.” 

“No, I don’t feel particularly well,” assented Molly, and 
added with a faint little smile: “I guess you’ll believe me, 
Bella, when I tell you I could have gone to the ball, and 
wouldn’t!” 

“ What!” was chorused, as all eyes turned upon the mis- 
guided creature who had refused to enter Elysium when 
its gates opened, and then “Who asked you?” followed as 
quickly and eagerly. 

“Oh, Johnny, of course; thinks I’m dying for it, I sup- 
pose. No, I really didn’t feel equal to it. Well, good- 
by. So long,” and Molly, in her rather shabby outdoor 
garments* departed, hurrying along the lower passage. way 
and to the entrance on the side street, where in the autumn 

253 


254 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


dusk, or rather early nightfall, the light of a street lamp 
showed a snow-encrusted, treacherous-looking pavement. 

“Take care!” said a man’s voice, and Molly, saved 
from stumbling, looked up under the yellow glow to blush 
scarlet, and say demurely : “ That you, Billy,” as Mr. Billy 
Rokesmith tucked her hand under his arm and asked her 
what she meant by not being on the lookout for him. 

“Well, I was thinking of you anyway, Billy,” said the 
young girl, with a glance up at the plain, honest face of 
the man beside her, “and never dreaming you were right 
there.” 

“Well, you see, Mary,” he answered, “I had to be, 
for it’s important I should go home with you, and tell 
your folks just how it stands.” 

“But, Billy,” pleaded Molly, pressing his arm closely; 
“don’t you see just what they’d all say? And wouldn’t I 
be mean — too mean to have you care a fig for me, if I’d 
get married and go off just when times are so hard — any- 
how at home.” 

“Now, who’s asked you?” exclaimed Billy. “Just you 
wait a bit! I’m only going to put things right on the 
fair and square. I’m going to say like this: Here are 
Molly and me, engaged for going on two years, — ’tis that, 
aint it, Molly ? — and now I have a chance to better things, 
I think, by going out West, and I don’t want to leave 
without some very clear understanding. Now, that’s 
about the size of it.” 

“Well, Billy, of course you know best,” said Molly, 
in a very small voice. “Suppose — you never came 
bade? ” 

He laughed gayly. “ And that's the secret, is it? Mary, 
my dear,” the young fellow dropped his tone of banter, 
and turning around looked at the girl steadily as they both 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


255 


stood facing each other an instant in the windy twilight, 
“remember that day of the picnic ” 

Molly turned her head. Her cheeks were crimson. 
“ Guess I do, Billy,” she whispered, and then raised her 
eyes suddenly to see quite a look of pain on the honest, 
kindly face bent above her. 

“Think a man that did all that for a girl is likely to go 
back on his word. Oh, no ! Do you remember,” he added, 
as they resumed their walk, “I hadn’t asked you outright 
then, and I told you those picnics weren’t fit for you to 
go to. Well, sir, when I saw you bent on it, thinks I, I’ll 
just see the thing all out; so you went and I stood it until 
you got up to dance with that cur, Peter Donelly ! Jingo, 
how it made me feel! If you’d been my sister, Molly, my 
dear, I couldn’t have felt worse, so up I stepped — do you 
remember ? — and says I, this young lady’s made a mistake, 
sir, she’s engaged to me for this dance, and then 

Molly shivered. She remembered too well the alterca- 
tion that ensued, how in the general confusion blows were 
dealt out freely, and in some fashion Billy contrived to 
get her away and on to the first ferryboat that was cross- 
ing, how he took her home straight away to her mother’s, 
and there on the doorstep read her such a lecture as she 
never could or would forget! Molly’s cheeks burned now 
recalling it! How low her tastes, her ideas seemed in 
the light of Billy’s strong denunciations! 

All that seemed a long time ago now to the young people 
as they trod the same ground again, only now, the cup of 
happiness had been running low for many a day. “Hard 
times” pressed on all sides and, instead of the wedding 
bells which they had hoped to set ringing,' there w 7 as the 
dismal note of what might be endless separation. 

“Don’t say a word just at first,” whispered Molly, as 


25G 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


the house door came in view. “I’ll give you a hint of a 
good time for it.” 

And as they were admitted into the hall, Nora exclaimed 
quickly : 

“O Billy, glad to see you! Here’s a letter from Miss 
Fane; she wants some business attended to, and ma, she 
said right off you might do it, seein’ Connor’s not home.” 

“Why, certainly,” said Mr. Rokesmith, holding his 
head up a trifle higher. “Business, did you say?” 

And he followed the girls down to the front basement 
with a little cough, half apologetic, half to clear his throat 
in case oratory was required. Meanwhile Molly’s very 
footsteps showed her satisfaction. “Talk about Connor,” 
she was thinking, “when Billy Rokesmith’s around. I 
guess Connor isn’t in it!” 

And then she fell to wondering what it could be Miss 
Fane* had to consult them about. 

Mrs. Norton was the centre of a speechless but excited 
group, who were listening to the third or fourth very care- 
ful reading of a letter just received from Alison, which 
was now promptly handed over to young Rokesmith in 
order that his interpretation and advice could be added to 
the general fund. 

“Dear Mrs. Norton [the letter ran]: I wish a little 
business matter promptly and carefully transacted, and 
think perhaps it will be in Mr. Connor’s line. At all 
events, I am sure you will only give it to a responsible 
party. I have good reason for not sending by mail. 
Kindly have the enclosed note taken in person and a 
written answer obtained, which you can mail me. I 
enclose ten dollars to defray all expenses, etc. I may see 
you some day very soon. Meanwhile I trust all are well 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


257 


and prospering, particularly Molly [“Ahem!” from Mr. 
Rokesmith], and give my love to all. 

“ Yours cordially, 

“ Alison M. Fane.” 

“Here, Billy!” exclaimed Nora eagerly, “liere’s the 
enclosed note;” and she handed him a carefully sealed 
envelope, the address upon which he read aloud slowly, 
almost solemnly : 


“Joun Robbins, Esq., 

North Main Street, 

Branley, N. J.” 


“H’m, h’m; well, well, yes,” said the oracle. “I can 
get down there and back easy enough to-night. It’s this 
side of Trenton, considerably — Branley.” He felt for his 
watch, coughed again, and consulted the timepiece on the 
mantel. “I guess I’d better get off as quick as I can eat 
a bite or two.” 

“Well, I declare!” said Mrs. Norton. “I told you we’d 
hear more of that poor dear child yet! Hurry up, girls, 
can’t you? Where’s the paper to see about trains. Get 
Billy’s supper, some of you.” 

And while Mr. Rokesmith, highly established in the 
good graces of the family by his ability to go on this mys- 
terious errand, examined the N. J. C. time-tables with 
the knitted brow of one oil whom a heavy responsibility 
rested, the girls flew about, and presently a very substan- 
tial repast was set before the prospective traveller. 

And just two hours later Mr. Rokesmith was ringing 
the bell of a neat little brown-painted frame house at the 
17 


258 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


extreme end of North Main Street in the small but pictur- 
esque township of Branley. He was very cold, but still 
impressed by the importance of his mission, all the more 
so when, after being admitted, Mr. Robbins, reading 
the note once or twice carefully, stared at him, saying 
rather anxiously: 

“I suppose — well, of course if you weren’t a trusty mes- 
senger, sir, you wouldn’t be here. Miss Fane has sent for 
the certified copy of a most important paper which she left 
for safe-keeping in my hands. She says she must have it 
immediately. Now as I can’t possibly get to town myself, 
may I ask you, sir, to send the document, by express, 
carefully registered, the very first thing in the morning?” 

And as a result the first train after 9 a. m. the next day 
carried to our heroine the certified copy of the last will 
and testament of the late Mrs. Rachel Broderick, while at 
eleven o’clock the morning following Mrs. Norton’s quiet 
household was once more roused and excited by a telegram 
which read as follows : 

“Will arrive with a friend by 4 p. m. 

“Alison Fane.” 


CHAPTER XL. 


It was perhaps natural — so at least Alison tried to make 
herself feel — that after the idyllic sojourn in Miss Homer’s 
cottage, a return to the dull routine work at Exeford should 
seem dreary and dismally commonplace, and if Mr. Gray 
Gorman had found reason to complain of her before, he had 
very evident cause for dissatisfaction in the lack of energy 
she now displayed, but it was certainly not on the cards 
for him to express any such feelings, and he, accordingly, 
confined himself more than usual to his special office, pre- 
ferring to avoid that one particular hand whenever he 
was able to do so. 

This would have only caused Alison to rejoice in secret 
and made her better pleased with her daily lot had other 
matters followed suit, but there had come a curious, wholly 
unaccountable constraint into Broderick’s manner. That 
he had heard nothing in New York to warrant it, she felt 
sure, since his visit there had come to so abrupt a close 
her commissions even went unfulfilled. Affairs at the 
mill had called him back. Something was brewing, 
Gorman was dissatisfied and surly; the men, talking in 
low tones, were constantly to be found in little groups, 
which dissolved on the approach either of Broderick or 
Gorman. An air of sullen indifference pervaded the 
atmosphere during working hours, very different from the 
former hum and buzz of talk, and pay day saw more 
than once the withdrawal of some hand who received 
his wages and quit for good in the same hour. 

239 


260 


ALISON’S 'ADVENTURES. 


Just what it meant no one could have told, and so inde- 
finable was the cloud that it was not even talked about 
among those conscious of its oppression, but even this, 
Alison felt sure, could not wholly explain Broderick’s 
peculiar reserve, preoccupation, evident avoidance of her, 
and she at last determined to adopt the course which her 
common sense and natural frankness suggested — i. e 
when an opportunity offered, to ask him candidly what 
had occurred to make him so very distant since their little 
holiday in Pendarley woods. 

Hilda was better, yet not strong by any means, a fact 
Alison had communicated to Dr. Holton, who in turn 
wrote, saying to expect him any day that w r eek; and, as 
it was now Friday and Alison concluded he might appear 
on the late train that evening, she had promised to leave 
early. Hilda had as yet not been able to think of resum- 
ing work. 

Alison was well enough pleased to leave the workroom 
where the occasional appearance of Broderick, pale, anx- 
ious in expression, and with more than ordinary preoccu- 
pation of manner, had not tended to make her feel particu- 
larly happy. It was not six o’clock when she folded up 
her work, slipped off her apron, made her report briefly, 
and put on her out- door costume, wishing she had good 
company for a brisk walk before returning home. The 
night air blew cold but invigorating on her flushed cheeks 
as she emerged from the big gateway of Gorman’s and 
started up the street, deciding upon a short detour in 
order to enquire for the wife of a young hand, whom 
she knew to be quite ill, guessed to be in troubled circum- 
stances, since her husband was one of the malcontents 
who had discharged himself the week before, and about 
whom she arid Broderick had indulged in a brief passage 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


261 


at arms which left them only more ill at ease in each 
other’s company than before. Alison, conscious of having 
said the bitterest words of the two, was less ready to feel, 
or show that she was penitent; and indeed, her only regret 
was in having spoken at all, her sense of the workman’s 
right and Broderick’s harshness remained the same, while 
Broderick, it was clear, considered their dispute fresh 
cause for reticence, and, wherever it could be managed, 
for complete avoidance of her. 

The workman, Jake Marks by name, occupied the upper 
floor of a small cottage on one of the side streets which 
had in a meaningless fashion, apparently, wandered off 
from a main road, and evidently realizing its inability to 
hold up its head and demand a name, ended abruptly in 
a despondent-looking, stubbly field which Mr. Marks’ 
family sitting-room overlooked. Blue glaze curtaining 
shone in the light of the kerosene lamps within as Alison 
paused on the doorstep, not knowing whether to open the 
unpainted door for herself, or go through the formality of 
knocking. 

Her doubt, however, was unexpectedly settled by the 
turning of the loose knob and the appearance of Mr. Marks 
himself, followed by half a dozen unkempt-looking men, 
all talking eagerly, but who stopped short on catching 
sight of the visitor, whom Marks, however, made haste to 
welcome in -his half shy, half rough, fashion. It was by 
no means her first visit since his wife’s illness, and he 
knew that all the comfort in the family had of late come 
through her. 

“ Hello! that you, Miss Fane? She’ll be glad to see ye! 
The boys and me’s just going out on a little matter of 
business — get out of the lady’s way, can’t ye, Jenkins?— 
go right along up, Miss Fane. Jenny’s in the bedroom; 


262 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


been down again all day.” And as Alison, anxious to 
avoid the notice of the company, hastened up the ricketty 
staircase, Marks let the men troop out ahead of him, say- 
ing to a little undersized fellow in the rear as they went 
up the short plank walk to the main road: 

“That’s the sort o’ stuff that does it! That girl’s 
smarter’n most any ten men ye’d find. I don’t know how 
my woman’d hev pulled through this spell if it hadn’t 
a’ben for her!” and as the little man nodded his head 
emphatically, Marks continued: “She’ll giv’ her a good 
cheerin’ up, I’ll be bound! Come on, you fellows!” he 
added with quick relapse of manner; “do you mean to let 
the game clean outer yer hands, ye can fool along like 
that?” 

Alison, meanwhile, had hurried up the little staircase, 
oppressed by that nameless dread of something, almost 
tragic, which had haunted her lately, having Brod- 
erick as its central object. The first glance at the nearly 
bare, untidy little sitting-room did not tend to encourage 
her. The workman of Exeford, as a rule, was singularly 
temperate — indeed so abstemious that a famous lecturer on 
the “accursed glass” had been at a loss to understand the 
peculiar attitude of his audience both during and after his 
well-known and thrilling lecture. As a lesson it was so 
apparently needless, that the audience, after a vague effort 
to get quite en rapport with the speaker, at last concluded 
it to be purely humorous, and accepting it from this point 
of view, gave way to unrestrained laughter and applause 
at every telling point, his mystification being quite com- 
plete when one of the committee approached him at the 
close of the lecture, intimating he could have a little 
“nip” up at his house if he liked. “But not at the hotel, 
you see, colonel,” said the genial Exefordian, “ ’cause, you 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


263 


see, it’s a strictly temperance town. I don’t suppose,” 
added the unconscious humorist, “a man in the audience 
to-night has tasted anything stronger than new cider in 
five years, ’cept when he ’lows himself, once a year or so, 
a few day’s harmless fun over to Exetown.” 

Alison’s first glance at Jake Mark’s sitting-room showed 
that for once the rules of Exeford had been broken into. 
A dozen empty beer bottles and two or three empty whiskey 
flasks stood about; the atmosphere was heavy with the 
odors of recent libations and tobacco smoke, through 
which Alison, making a little grimace of disgust, passed 
hastily into the little bedroom beyond, where Jenny Marks 
and her thin three weeks’ old baby lay in the semi-dark- 
ness; the baby, poor little mite, sleeping peacefully, 
Jenny ’s sobs audibly pathetic in this miserable, unlovely 
picture of a falling home. 

“Why, Jenny!” exclaimed Alison in softest accents, 
“crying, and in the dark! Come, now! I dare say you 
haven’t had any supper yet! And where is that Mrs. 
Bates downstairs? She promised you shouldn’t be left 
this way again.” 

Ailson had already laid aside her hat and jacket and was 
rubbing her chilled hands before touching the invalid or 
the baby. 

“He-he-he’s go-gone out — with the boy -boys,” sobbed 
Jenny, drying her eyes on the corner of the sheet nearest 
her. “Oh, Miss Fane, there’s trouble a-brewing for Gor- 
man’s! And Marks he won’t be said by me!” 

“Never mind!” declared Alison cheerily. “I want you 
to eat something nice — and, let me see! Why, I declare, 
your fire’s all out!” 

She set to work vigorously,— how she recalled those 
moments later ! — contrived to make a fairly good fire out 


264 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


of such materials as the wood-box offered, put on the kettle, 
and very soon, with such materials as she purchased from 
a slatternly woman below, had a cup of tea and some 
toast ready, and was about to sweep up the forlorn little 
sitting-room when Jenny Marks fairly paralyzed the very 
working of her brain for an instant it seemed. 

“They’re bent on mischief to-night, Miss Fane!” said 
Jenny. “And they’ve liquor in ’em too, you see! Brod- 
erick he won’t take ’em back without they sign certain 
papers agreein’ not to strike this kind o’ way, and Gor- 
man he’s riled ’em so, — even Broderick is cornin’ over 
now, — they’ve gone up now to the mills bent on mischief! 
Goin’ to smash somethin’ while Broderick’s away! I 
dunno just what, but it’s to pay out Gorman; little 
Tommy Ford’s got a key ’ll let ’em in. Oh, they’d kill 
me,” added Jenny in a weaker voice, “if they knew I told; 
but I can’t help it! My man wouldn’t have been in it if 
he’d let the drink alone, and its him I’m thinkin’ of.” 

“Jenny!” cried Alison, her brain suddenly seeming to 
whirl and then stand still; “did you say they were going 
up to the mills now , and they thought Hugh Broderick 
was still away!” 

Jenny with a suddenly scared face nodded, her eyes 
fixed on Alison’s figure as she stood there, her hands 
pressed to her temples. 

“But he is home!” she said in a low, terrified voice; “he 
is up there now! Jenny, I won’t make trouble for you, 
my dear! Don’t,” as the feeble little baby on the girl’s 
arm moaned; “don’t be frightened a bit, only, I must go 
away for a little while;” — she was hurriedly putting on 
her out-door garments — “I’ll be back soon— I’ll send Mrs. 
Bates up to you, dear! Now, don’t worry!” And then 
in a way which she never later could distinctly recall, 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


265 


Alison managed to get down the staircase, and by means of 
a fifty cent piece slipped into her dirty hand induced the 
woman from below to look after Jake Marks’ wife for 
an hour or so, and then with a wild lifting of her face and 
an audible prayer to Heaven for aid, she was out and up 
the road once more to the mills, never so anxious to reach 
its grim entrance since the day which had seen her first 
enter as one of Gorman’s hands! It had begun to rain — 
a cold, miserable little downpour which Alison never 
heeded, though it wet and chilled her. Her feet seemed 
made of lead as she tried to urge them on. The towers of 
the factory came in view at last; the gloomy-looking gate- 
way was open, and with a feeling which never was or 
could be described, the girl made her way down the short 
flight of stone steps, aware at once that the light in Brod- 
erick’s special window was still burning. 

Whether it augured well or ill she dared not think ; to 
get there, to find, to warn him of the danger impending, 
was her only thought as she half blindly struggled on; 
now, not even surprised to find the staircase entrance door 
unlocked and swinging open. 

She grasped the battered wooden railing for support 
as she tried to hurry up the narrow steps; but a deadly, 
sickening feeling, a nameless dread, a terror, inspired by 
the silence and the open door, made her faint and dizzy. 
Once she stopped, just where the steps turned to lead into 
the narrow hall, called out: “Hugh — Hugh Broderick,” 
her voice dying away unanswered in the darkness and soli- 
tude she was in, and then, through an open window which 
let in the wind and rain, came in the glimmer of the street 
lamp, and by its glare Alison pressed forward, pushing 
back the swinging door of Broderick’s office. 

For one instant she stood rooted to the spot, and then a 


266 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


cry, such as pierced the outer gloom and darkness, and 
stopped the quickest walker on the streets, rent the air; for 
before her, on the floor, apparently in his life’s blood, lay 
Broderick, stricken, felled by some unseen adversary, who 
had made good his escape ! Dead or dying — which was it? 
Alison knew not, did not stop to think. That he had been 
the victim of a brutal attack was clear; how could she, if 
at all, save the life that might be lingering in his veins, 
was her one thought as she flung herself on her knees 
beside him, and lifting him up in her arms kissed his brow, 
his eyes, his cold, white lips, calling upon him to look at 
her, speak to her, tell her how to save him! 

How or whence came her strength and instinct she could 
not tell, but in a moment Alison had torn off her white 
skirt, and tearing it into strips bound up the wound on his 
head, stanching the blood flowing from his arm and then 
bandaging that, if clumsily, at least securely, some remem- 
brance of having seen the same course followed coming to 
her aid. A feeble moan was the only indication of life as 
she tried to make his poor wounded body comfortable, 
while from the faucet in the room she filled a grimy glass 
with water and held it to his lips, her arm supporting his 
head, and slowly, tremulously the eyelids of the wounded 
man moved ; the eyes gazed vacantly at first, but then lit 
by a sudden gleam of recognition, straight into her own, 
and a smile, ineffably tender, crossed the man’s white face. 

“My — sweetheart,” he said faintly, and tried, vainly, to 
lift his hand and touch her cheek. 

Tears were raining unchecked dow T n the girl’s white 
cheeks, but she did not loose her hold nor move her eyes. 

“Dearest,” she said in a low voice, music itself to the 
man’s ears, “ you will get well — thank God ! I found you ! 
Keep still! I dare not let you move.” 


The Mill Tragedy. 


























































































•i 


1 




A 


4 











t 


























ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


267 


But Broderick’s faintly returning strength had quickly 
given way, and when the steps of those hurrying along 
the courtyard drew nearer, came up the staircase and what 
seemed a crowd of people burst into the room, he was in a 
swoon, as deadly, it seemed, as that in which Alison had 
found him, and her face, as she gazed down at him and then 
at the men and women who had answered that despairing 
cry, was white and set as marble, with a look on it no one 
present ever could forget. 


CHAPTER XLI. 


The confusion which ensued can, I think, be as well 
imagined as described. From somewhere in the gather- 
ing crowd at last Dr. Egerton’s figure appeared, question 
and answer followed rapidly, Alison only saying she 
had gone back on business, and found Broderick, as she 
thought, dead. Two constables cross-questioned her, but 
to no further purpose; some instinct kept her from reveal- 
ing what Jenny Marks had told her, a sense of gratitude 
to the little woman urging her silence, and when Dr. Eger- 
ton and Dr. Pulsifer said: “Life just saved,” Alison felt 
faint and dizzy with the thought of how nearly it had 
come to being otherwise! 

Naturally the Gormans were soon on hand: father and 
son alike busy, pompous, angry, and excited. Alison never 
quite knew how it was that Hugh’s still nearly lifeless 
form was borne away to his little lodging, and that someone 
offered to drive her back to Bend Lane. She heard the 
words, “She may be needed as a witness,” but they meant 
very little until once more in her own rooms, with Hilda 
and Janet, who lamented loudly and despairingly, she 
realized what the “maybe” implied, if he had indeed met 
his death! The first moment of relief was when Hilda, 
catching her hand, whispered tremulously: 

“ Dr. Holton will be here to-morrow !” How fortunate it 
seemed, and yet 

Alison, shaken by the terrible ordeal she had gone 
through, flung her arms about old Janet and sobbed as 
though her heart would break. 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


269 


“I know, lioney!” whispered the old woman, stroking 
Alison’s head tenderly. “Never mind; I’ll take ye up 
myself to see him to-morrow !” 

And all through the dreary winter’s night Alison lay 
sleepless, her eyes strained and burning, waiting for the 
morning and the fulfilment of the old woman’s promise. 
And through the watches, the eager, fitful prayers, of that 
night, there came back full remembrance of what had 
passed between Broderick and herself in that despairing 
moment when she had thought him dying, his ears deaf to 
every sound ! The color flamed into her face in the dark- 
ness, and Alison wondered how she could speak to him 
again! Come what might, thought Alison, this much at 
least would remain to her — he loved her! In those awful 
moments when the thought of death stripped convention- 
ality’s chill covering, they had seen into each other’s 
hearts and spoken as though bidden to do so by God’s very 
angel ! 

But daybreak, and the making ready to go up to the 
cottage which Hugh Broderick called home, brought the 
necessary though sad duties of the day to Alison, for 
already it had been reported that the doctors had but little 
hope of Broderick’s recovery, and that some arrests had 
been promptly made. 

“We must not forget Jake Marks’ wife,” said Alison 
wearily, as she forced herself to drink the coffee Janet had 
made ready. 

“Oh, I’m thinking of that lad yonder!” retorted Janet, 
whose old face was pathetic in its misery; “she’s but a 
young woman and can get well, I guess.” 

How often, thought Alison, as they hurried along 
through the almost silent, bitterly cold streets, had she 
planned a visit, or at least wished it could be compassed, 


270 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


to the lodging where she was so sure Hugh cared nothing 
for the daintinesses nor shared the real comforts of life; 
and how little had she thought that his mortal peril would 
for the first time bring her there ! 

“ O Janet !” she exclaimed, as they drew near the road on 
which in one of three or four cottages they were told “Mr. 
Broderick’s house” was to be found, “couldn’t we fix it so 
that you could come and take care of him? I’d feel more 
comfortable then.” 

“ Well!” said the old woman, with her wrinkled smile, 
“I was just going to put the same idee to you, my dear! 
I’ll see how the land lays.” 

Poorly enough, was Alison’s first thought as, admitted 
by a tall, depressed looking woman she recollected to have 
seen in church, they found themselves ushered into a small, 
cheerless sitting-room whose only approach to comfort was 
the evidently newly lighted fire in a stove smelling badly 
of varnish. 

“He’s — well — conscious,” said the woman. “The doc- 
tors will be along pretty soon ; I guess they think it a 
pretty bad case, for there’s eight men, I’m told, locked up. 
Gorman’s sent for a reg’lar nurse, I understand. Well, 
I’ll jist step in — my Sammy’s a-sittin’ by him — and see, 
Miss Fane, if you kin take a peep at him.” 

Alison restlessly paced the floor. Janet stood grimly in 
the window. 

“Her Sammy /” said old Janet, with a low sniff of con- 
tempt. “ I guess he must be well taken care of at that 
rate !” 

The gray light of the morning had given way to a faint 
sunrise, and Alison found herself mechanically looking 
about at the objects in the little room, all of which seemed 
pathetic in their uselessness, in the master’s absence. 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


271 


Bare and simple as the room was, it was not in bad taste: 
the colors dark, the furniture solid, the few ornamental 
touches good, the two or three engravings well chosen; 
yet it was dreary and utterly unhomelike ! Alison lifted 
one of the pipes on the mantel, wondered what thoughts 
had woven themselves out of the cloud-wreaths it had 
formed, looked down at the well-worn leathern chair, 
pictured Broderick sitting there alone on some of those 
wildly stormy Sundays of late, and then the door was 
opened. Mrs. Coan, more funereal than ever in manner, 
motioned to her visitors and they followed her up the nar- 
row little staircase into the bedroom where Broderick lay. 

His eyes, fixed on the door, showed that he was con- 
scious, that he knew whom to expect, but their light was 
painfully faint even as he tried to smile, stretching out 
one hand, the left; the right arm and hand were bandaged. 

Alison forced herself to complete control, and tried to, 
say even with a cheery smile as she bent over him : 

“You are getting better; and Janet has come to take 
care of you.” 

He did not loose the hold upon her little trembling hand, 
but moved his eyes toward Janet. 

“Yes, my lad!” said the old woman grimly, and resting 
her hands firmly on the footboard of the bed. “I’m come 
to stay till I see you on your feet again.” 

“Alison, then it was you I remember with me that 
night?” Broderick said in a faint voice. 

The color flamed into her pale face, but she said quietly : 

“Yes, it was I.” 

“Do they say I will get well?” 

“Yes, we hope so. But you are not to move or talk, 
and if I do not come again for a day or two to see you 
it will only be because they wish you to be absolutely 


272 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


quiet. I shall be thinking of you every minute, praying 
for you. Now it must he good-by for a little while, but 
old Janet will stay. Get well” — her eyelids fell, but she 
raised them again quickly — “for my — for all our sakes!” 

His fingers closed again on hers; he smiled, and Alison, 
feeling that to stay an instant longer would be to betray 
her fears for the worst and so unnerve him, looked up, 
relieved to find that old Janet and the careful, if loose- 
limbed Sammy were returning. 

And the time had come now, surely, for some action. 
It was not possible to believe the men had aimed that blow 
deliberately at Broderick. No; far more likely that they 
had intended something very different — that surprised by 
Broderick’s unexpected appearance they had struck out, 
wishing to escape. Alison’s head was burning, but clear as 
a noonday bell now that the necessity for thought and action 
had combined to rouse every faculty; and, if Broderick’s 
life were spared, might there not as well be his character 
to completely vindicate; his position to make sure? And 
at all events, the gross injustice shown the employees now 
out of work was warrant enough for her to in some way 
use her hidden power. 

But with her burning sense of indignation came justice 
to all as well, and Alison, as she and old Janet hurried 
along the cold, windy streets of the town, remembered her 
talk with Gray Gorman; knew all that his father’s failure 
would mean to various households; and litigation of any 
sort she dreaded, both in its course and results; since it 
might end only in leaving her mistress of bare walls and a 
dissolved company. A fair, clear, sensible discussion with 
some wiser head than her own, some purely disinterested 
individual, would be everything, the girl felt at this 
moment. Dr. Holton would be of some use, but he could 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


273 


not be expected to have the mature judgment Alison felt 
she needed. And then, suddenly, there flashed across her 
mind remembrance of a paragraph she had seen in a New 
York paper only the day before. It announced the arrival 
at the Everett House of the Hon. G. F. Winstane, with 
the fact that he expected to remain three days in town. 

“ The very one to go to !” thought the girl, with a bound- 
ing of her heart. “ He is wise, clear-headed, cool, above 
all, a thorough gentleman and entirely disinterested. New 
York of course must be my heading-point at once. I can 
do two or three things there. Dare I leave Broderick? 
And who will go with me?” 

And then, with another wave of relief, Alison remem- 
bered Dr. Holton would arrive that day. He could so far 
be taken into her counsels as to be told her presence in 
New York was needed, and his escort most to be desired. 

After all, part of the tangle was unravelling! And, but 
for the dark shadow of Broderick’s illness, Alison would 
have felt singularly light-hearted in having the ends of the 
main difficulties in her life so w T ell in hand as she once 
more entered the little Bend Lane cottage, gave Hilda, 
who was wide awake and breathless with anxiety, her 
report, and then set out to enquire for Jake Marks’ poor 
little wife, reassure her anxiety, and if possible demand 
the whole history of last night’s assault from Marks 
himself. 

And eight o’clock the next morning saw Alison’s tele- 
gram to her old friends in Benton Place on its way. Dr. 
Holton had arrived, had seen Hilda, heard all the strange 
story of the past few days; called upon Broderick, whom 
he reported to Alison, as he believed, out of danger so far 
as his life was concerned ; yet as to what use his right arm 
would ever be again, time alone could tell. 

18 


274 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


And after this Alison would hesitate no longer. Her 
duty seemed not only imperative, but very clear. And 
with the young doctor’s help and escort why should not 
Hilda herself accompany her? Miss Homer she knew would 
stay a few days at the Bend Lane house, for of course Janet 
must not leave Broderick an hour. It all seemed so per- 
fectly easy and simple to Alison that she was impatient of 
the trivial excuses for delay and complication the others 
made, but that astute young person, Miss Egerton, begged 
of her to remember she had “men to deal with; and, my 
dear,” said Kitty, with her nose uplifted, “did you ever 
know of their hurrying about anything? Why, one man 
and a boy can keep a whole houseful waiting while they’re 
beginning to think what to do next!” 

One thing Alison dared not trust herself to venture 
upon — another word with Broderick. No, it would reveal, 
perhaps demand, too much, but she despatched a line, 
brief enough, yet written over twenty times before she 
could feel it contained a message and a word of comfort 
combined: 

“I must start at once on business for New York, and 
will write from there. I shall be back soon. Meantime 
think of me and get well. 

“ Alison.” 

And so, once more, but under what strange circum- 
stances! did our heroine set forth on a second all-important 
journey. This time, in spite of some difficulty in arrang- 
ing it, she contrived that the trip be made with every pos- 
sible luxury the trains and boats afforded, Hilda’s weak- 
ness being her excuse, and she was forced by the young 
doctor’s evident reluctance in the matter to whisper a 
word or two which showed him that her business in 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


275 


New York involved the taking possession of quite a 
valuable property, and at least she assured him there was 
“money in it” for her at the journey’s end. 

There was a relief in leaving the confusion and excite- 
ment of the past few days behind her to our heroine, who 
found time for quiet, hopeful thoughts as they sped 
onward to New York again, and the glare of the electric 
lights on the wintry streets seemed to her peculiarly 
friendly, as, emerging from the big depot, Alison and 
Hilda were put into a cab by the young doctor, who 
promised smilingly to look in upon them later, Alison quite 
well understanding what his significant glance and' smile 
included, and Hilda’s pretty blush being equally intel- 
ligible. 

And so once more the corner on which Mrs. Norton’s 
cheerful, busy house stood came in view ; once more was 
Alison welcomed with the most effusive cordiality, 
extended to the shy Hilda, who was, however, forced at 
once to feel one of themselves, while the prompt clatter 
of dishes, the darting downstairs of the older girls, her- 
alded the announcement of supper, where Connor, quite a 
hero, shared the dignity of receiving the guests with 
that very valiant individual, Mr. William Rokesmith, Jr. 


CHAPTER XLIL 


“Now, then, for a very critical interview!” 

Alison’s heart beat quickly with this thought as she 
sat in a small reception-room at the Everett House, won- 
dering just how and what to say to the distinguished 
gentleman from Washington, to whom she had sent up her 
card. 

It was the morning after her arrival in New York. At 
as early an hour as she thought it likely he could be visi- 
ble Alison had driven to the Everett House, dressed with 
perfect simplicity, but exquisite taste, quite well aware 
that a bourgeoise appearance would have been thoroughly 
out of place; and it was like a return to her old life, that 
far-away existence of happy, prosperous travel, of delicate 
surroundings, and harmonious influences, to find herself 
sitting iq the well-appointed room, a long mirror reflecting 
the Alison Fane of older days, not simply Gorman’s 
“hand,” and yet — yet — Alison’s long-drawn sigh betrayed 
what was her one constant, aching anxiety. The stream 
of life, ebbing and flowing just below the window in 
which she sat, interested, or I should say occupied her 
attention, in a way which amused her not a little, as mark- 
ing the effect a few months had produced in her view of 
externals as well as every-day methods. She enjoyed it, 
liked it all ; with an almost child-like pleasure thought what 
it would be in days to come to make little journeys down 
here to brighten up one’s faculties, to keep off the rust of 
commonplace, and then started as she heard herself 

276 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


277 


addressed in pleasant, welcoming tones by Colonel Win- 
stane himself. 

“ My dear young lady,” said the Washingtonian cheerily, * 
“this is a pleasure! I have so often thought of that 
pleasant evening! And I am delighted my girls are with 
me, and one of my sons, too. Our Harvard boy.” 

“Thank you, sir,” said Alison quickly; “I shall be only 
too glad to see — to know them. May I have a few min- 
utes of your time for a very important business matter?” 

“Certainly, my dear,” said the colonel, rising from the 
arm-chair he had taken ; “ I was just about taking you into 
our parlor. I’ll introduce my girls and send them off for 
a while.” 

The parlor was on the same floor. The colonel led the 
way, talking affably, opened a door at the first turning, 
and at once, in a large, richly upholstered room, two young 
ladies in morning attire turned from the window, came 
forward, and were introduced as “my daughters, Rhoda 
and Millicent”; two slim, negative-looking but very well 
“poised” young ladies, who had evidently been thoroughly 
trained in the best society manners of our capital, shook 
hands, smiled upon our heroine, and, in answer to what 
their father said of a business interview, glided gracefully 
away into an adjoining room, whence for a few moments 
came occasionally the sounds of a masculine voice interrupt- 
ing their chatter, then all was silence ; the young people had 
gone away, it would seem, and Alison \ with a frank, ear- 
nest glance at Colonel Winstane, began her story. 

In the outset she begged him to regard the “ ower-strange 
tale” as strictly confidential, and won him over completely 
by her frank, sweet way of saying: 

“I never could forget you, Colonel Winstane, after that 
night, and when I was thinking who could tell me just 


278 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


what to do, and how to do it, your name in the paper as 
being here seemed like an inspiration.” 

And then she carefully, slowly, omitting no necessary 
detail, yet burdening her story with nothing useless, told 
him all that had happened in connection with her inheri- 
tance from the time her grandmother intrusted her with 
the second will down to the present moment. 

And Colonel Winstane, man of the world that he was, — 
of that geographical Bohemia which has the setting sun 
for its horizon, the Rockies for its halting-place, — accus- 
tomed to the ups and downs of busy political life, lis- 
tened, wondering first why people went about imagining 
plots for their trashy story-books, then how in this slen- 
der, unobtrusive-looking girl there had been found the 
qualities of mind and body, heart and nerve, for all she had 
devised, undertaken, and gone through. 

“Upon my word! my dear,” said the colonel finally, 
“this is a most extraordinary story. Of course you have 
all the — ahem — necessary documents?” 

“Oh, yes, indeed! Don’t be afraid, I am not indulg- 
ing in a mere speculation, colonel; my grandmother’s last 
will and testament is in very safe keeping. See, here is 
a certified copy.” 

And Alison, after handing him the paper, walked away 
to the furthermost side of the room, where, resting her 
foot on the fender, she gazed down into the cannel coal fire, 
thinking intently, anxiously, painfully, yet not without 
vivid gleams of hope and satisfaction, while the colonel, 
in profound, motionless silence, read the document she had 
given him, carefully once, then again. 

A long-drawn “ Ah-hem!” as he leaned back in his chair 
made Alison turn with a slight smile to see complete 
acquiescence and confidence in his expression. 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


279 


“My dear,” lie said gravely, and looking up at her fair, 
calm young face with something peculiarly interested in 
his whole manner, voice, expression, “if you can prove 
this will, — and I can’t see myself how it is to be disputed, — 
you ought to be a very rich woman, and I trust a very 
happy one! And I don’t see that there is very much for 
the lawyers even to do to require their usual slice in such 
contests. No, your late grandmother evidently knew 
what she was about, and her own instructions to you, her 

confiding the will to your keeping Oh, yes, it is a very 

clear case'for you, and a pretty bad one for them. But, as 
you were shrewd enough to suggest, delay now is worse 
than folly. Those cormorants up there should not be 
allowed another day.” 

“ What shall I do? Colonel Winstane, I leave it wholly 
in your hands.” 

“The first thing is to find this man Robbins. You — 
you look pretty well tired out, though. Suppose I send 
someone for you? Where did you say you were stop- 
ping?” 

Alison gave the address, adding a very dear friend 
who was with her was not well enough to be left too 
long. 

“Oh, never mind!” returned the colonel, naturally 
impatient. “That young doctor you speak of surely can 
do something. Now, then, — pardon me, but it is a ques- 
tion any man would put another for the purpose, — have 
you need for a banker temporarily ? You know this,” — he 
touched the paper, — “ is security for any small matter of 
the kind, so be perfectly frank.” 

“You are more than kind!” exclaimed Alison quickly. 
“And I promisee to let you know what I may need. I 
have a little left still of what Mr. Robbins brought me.” 


280 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


She mentioned the sum, whereupon Colonel Winstane 
laughed good-naturedly. 

“My dear,” he said, as he drew his writing-desk toward 
him and opened it, “ I am afraid in business of this kind 
you will find a little more substantial amount required.” 

He made out a check rapidly, hesitated, then, leaving the 
room, saying no doubt bills would be easier for her to 
manage, returned in a few moments with one hundred 
dollars in notes of ten each in his hand. 

“Purely a business matter; no thanks needed,” he said, 
with his kindly smile. “You may relieve your mind by 
giving me a receipt,” and as Alison did so, the importance 
of the occasion impelling her to write her full name, the 
colonel said quickly: 

“Morpeth? Where do you get that name, may I ask?” 

“It was my father’s middle name — his mother’s. They 
were Virginians originally.” 

“Precisely!” exclaimed the colonel, with kindling eyes. 
“Ah! it tells — good blood! There never was a finer 
gentleman in the truest sense of the word than old Paul 
Revere Morpeth as I remember him! Well, well, this is a 
subject for another day’s investigation. Let them laugh 
at my theories who may,” added Colonel Winstane, with a 
snap of his dark eyes; “./get new background for them 
every day !” 

“I have always believed innate refinement, and good 
early training, must tell,” said Alison quickly, “whether 
one’s grandfather were a cobbler or a banker.” 

“Yes, yes. Well, my dear young lady, will you find 
Mr. Robbins at once? Have you a suitable escort? My 
Harry w'ould be delighted to go with you.” 

But Alison, ashamed of having trespassed so long on the 
colonel’s time, assured him she could be amply provided 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


281 


form Mrs. Norton’s household, promised to go at once in 
search of Mr. Robbins, thence, according to his advice, to 
Mr. Powers’ office; and with renewed thanks, and an ear- 
nest hope that before she left New York she might have 
the pleasure of meeting all his family, Alison, decidedly 
invigorated and encouraged, was put into her coupe by the 
colonel and driven away, her recent host loitering an 
instant as he was returning to his rooms to indulge in a 
little quiet speculation on what the future might bring 
forth. 

“Morpeth of Virginia, eh?” mused the colonel. “She’s 
not unlike that witch of a Sallie Morpeth I thought had 
my young heart in tatters once upon a time.” 

So he went back to his daughters, who, although demoi- 
selles bien elevee , were not without their woman’s share of 
curiosity, to explain that Miss Fane had come to consult 
him on some important business, and to add that he 
desired them to “show her every attention; for she’s more 
of a stranger in New York than any of yourselves,” he 
added, lest the hyper-punctilious Rhoda be at all on her 
dignity, “and just now, for convenience and proper pro- 
tection, boarding with some friends in humble circum- 
stances.” 

And the girls, left alone, discussed the matter, very cer- 
tain from his manner and expression that “pa,” as he was 
called, had his mind made up on the subject, and really, 
even Miss Rhoda admitted, the. girl was very lady-like, 
and “decidedly too pretty to let Harry see much of her!” 

Alison, meanwhile, was being driven rapidly along the 
bright, sunshiny, wintry streets in the direction of Ben- 
ton Place, her mind fully enough occupied with the results 
of this interview to make the minutes fly. How thoroughly 
had Colonel Winstane fulfilled her idea of him! how 


282 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


delightful to be once more in touch with people who made 
up the kind of world she had called her own, and which, 
with a few notable exceptions, her life of late had known 
too little. 

“And to think,” reflected Alison, “it costs nothing, 
this graciousness of nature, mind, feeling! Yet it makes 
the world a charmed place, it sets one’s best faculties to 
work, it refines, readjusts, — what is the word I want? — 
transmutes all it touches. And how define it? Broderick 
has it in every fibre of that keenly strung, delicate mech- 
anism of his nature, and yet his hands are brown with toil; 
and this Colonel Winstane could never have bought it, can 
never lose it; while such men as Gray Gorman, for 
instance, might spend millions and never once receive that 
baptism of delicacy and sense of noblesse oblige! Well, 
well, I can’t complain of a humdrum life, anyway, and yet, 
oh, how I long, under some circumstances, for just the 
most tranquil, every-day routine, say in dear Miss Homer’s 
little Half House !” 


CHAPTER XLIII. 


Alison found her Benton Place friends all alert and 
anxious for her return ; the very rattle of the coupe was 
music to their ears; and to our young heroine the honest 
sympathy, the keen, if rather noisy, interest expressed in 
welcoming her return, were all pleasant reminders that she 
had true friends anyway in these good-natured, workaday 
people, and her little history, so far as it could be revealed 
to them, had all the glamour of a romance. 

And Alison’s bright, soft glance as she returned, her 
evident gay humor, were enough to inspire them all, while 
her request for a companion to Bramley from among the 
family party was considered even more encouraging; and, 
finding that one of the girls was free to accompany her, 
she begged of her to make ready at once while she took a 
look at Hilda, who was very well off in the front parlor, 
which Alison was glad to find considerably changed, 
and brightened up, since her last visit there. If all went 
well, as she now believed it would, Hilda need not return 
to Exeford ; her natural protector, her new home, would be 
waiting for her here; and then our heroine, with a little 
sigh, wondered whether what she expected as the outcome 
of all this might not end only in— a dream! But she 
paused, put aside all such reflections, to despatch a few 
lines to Broderick, saying little of her business, lest it be 
seen by other eyes, only encouraging him with word that 
“ all was well,” and she would see him very soon, adding 
something to amuse and interest him about the Nortons, 

283 


284 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


also saying in italics: “ I have seen and consulted Colonel 
Winstane , whom you probably remember , about my busi- 
ness .” A note to old Janet followed, and by that time the 
smiling Nora appeared equipped for their journey, evi- 
dently full of a sense of importance sufficiently dashed 
with mystery to make her position both novel and exciting. 

It was a short trip to Bramley, where, as she judged, they 
arrived in about the right time to find Mr. Robbins, and, 
needless to say, that gentleman gave his visitors a most 
cordial welcome, while as soon as possible Alison saw him 
alone and explained the object of her visit. 

It was a decided relief to find that the astute little man 
thoroughly approved her course; quite natural that he 
should say with his most important manner: 

“Ah, my dear young lady, we did well when we sent 
you up there to look into tilings! Your late respected 
grandmother and — ahem! — myself knew just what w r e 
were about ! But, oh, I say !” — and the decorous little man 
actually grinned, — “ won’t there be a row among the rest of 
them when they find out how things stand ! Jiminetty 
Christmas! why, that Mrs. Parkinson and her daughters 
have been putting on all kinds of airs lately. You see, 
you’re going to work and getting your little seven hun- 
dred and fifty so pat makes ’em dead sure you aint in it 
anywhere, and the only bother now is which one of ’era’s 
coming out first in the game! Ho! ho! ho! I wouldn’t 
miss being on hand when the news is made known for — my 
best terrier pup! No, sir! It ’ll be better than a whole 
Christmas dinner!” 

And again, in his silent but thorough way, Mr. John 
Robbins laughed until tears stood in his eyes, and, as the 
case appeared to him so peculiarly humorous, Alison felt 
at liberty to indulge in a smile and twinkle of the eye 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES . 


285 


for asserting and proving her claim impoverished no one; 
it would merely save her grandmother’s fortune from 
passing into grasping, miserly hands, and the discomfiture 
would come from such thoroughly selfish and worldly 
motives that she could but believe it would be most richly 
deserved. 

“ There’s only one desperate pity, and that is she — your 
respected grandmother — aint here to see it,” said Mr. 
Robbins, too thoroughly in earnest to be disrespectful. 
“For I don’t know another as would so thoroughly appre- 
ciate the scene. Now, then, when is this little coup ” — • 
Mr. Robbins called it coop , — “to take place?” 

“Colonel Winstane can advise us best,” said Alison. 
“Suppose, Mr. Robbins, you get the will, and meet me at 
the Everett House to-morrow morning — say 10 a. m. ? I 
wilbsee the colonel in the meantime. By the way, he was 
good enough to loan me some money.” 

“Safe enough!” sighed Robbins. “Well, well, so this 
is the end of the Broderick affair,” he added. 

“The end! ” exclaimed Alison quickly. “No, no, Mr. 
Robbins ; only the beginning. Why, I’ll be coming to you 
next for advice as to how to spend my money !” 

The good-hearted man eyed her anxiously for a moment, 
and then said with much solemnity: 

“Miss Fane, I’ll offer a bit gratis now and here. I’m 
an oldish man, and my walk in life has lain just along the 
path of law that sees ups and downs of all kinds. Do you 
put a good slice of the Broderick money away where you 
can’t lay a little finger even on the principal. Do you 
understand? Put it beyond everyone’s reach, for with 
that big heart of yours you’ll never keep it else; and, 
mind you, in my calling I’ve seen the sun rise on a 
millionaire and set on a pauper, one and the same man, 


286 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


just because he couldn’t or wouldn’t learn that one simple 
practical lesson. It’s the old story — all your eggs in one 
basket. One tumble makes the general smash !” 

“You couldn’t counsel me better,” declared Alison. 
“Believe me, young and soft as I may look, life has held 
too many bitter experiences for me not to value just what 
you say at its highest worth. Why, even now, Mr. Rob- 
bins, my good fortune may, I fear will, mean financial ruin 
to many, some I care much for.” 

Her mind reverted to the Leighs, who she feared had 
their all invested in Gormans. 

“Ah, I’m not so sure; for, you see, in routing out all 
these people who think they own Gorman’s you are not 
dispossessing stockholders. Hadn’t thought of that, eh? 
No, no, it’s only the actual ownership that will change* 
hands. Never mind.” He hesitated. “I suppose you 
don’t know what the whole thing is worth.” 

Alison shook her head. “I know,” she answered, 
“ Gorman’s is only part of it.” 

“ Well •” Mr. Robbins thrust his hands deep into his 

pockets, leaned back, and with his mouth puckered up 
went through a bit of mental arithmetic which brought his 
chair legs down suddenly as he remarked : “I should say — 
well, your actual money income ought to be somewhere 
around thirty-eight to forty -two thousand a year; not a 
cent less, anyway.” 

“What!” exclaimed Alison. Her face paled, and 
flushed. 

“Then there are some outside investments drawing noth- 
ing just now,” he continued calmly. “But the way things 
look now they may turn out worth ten to fifteen more any 
day.” 

Alison could not speak for an instant. Robbins was 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


287 


quite right. She had not possessed the least idea that 
wealth such as this could be hers. An income sufficient to 
make every wheel of life run smoothly, to gratify every fine 
impulse, to make special care of others possible — this she 
had thought more than likely; but a sum far less than that 
Mr. Robbins named would have done all this liberally and 
well. Again came the thought, the dread, how would it 
affect Broderick? who she well knew could be immovable 
were he to take any line of action with determination to 
follow it. 

Well, she must shirk no duties such “high estate,” as 
the world would call it, involved, and if he would barter 
what she had to give him, — worth so much more than mill- 
ions of money, — for foolish pride or prejudice, then the 
sooner they understood each other the better. No, she 
would not masquerade longer. He should accept her good 
fortune in the right spirit or leave her and it together; and 
at least that sweet, exquisite assurance that he had loved 
her when he thought her a poor girl seeking to earn her 
own living must remain. He should, she now determined, 
see her as her grandmother had meant she should be : a 
girl of acknowledged social consequence and wealth; and 
if he thought too poorly of his love to lay it at her feet, 
then — well, she would take him at his own valuation, give 
back the unwritten pledge which in his danger his lips, his 
eyes, the fervent pressure of his hand, all had made, com- 
pelling the full surrender of her own heart’s secret. 

Meanwhile, in the rapid change of look and manner in 
his young visitor, Robbins saw only the expression of 
thoughts which the sense of new and unexpected power 
gave the girl; mistaking the proud gleam in her eyes, the 
curve of her soft lips, for exultation; and, thoroughly ad- 
miring the effect they produced, decided within himself that 


288 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


•without her thousands to “back her up” he’d “ start Mrs. 
Broderick’s heiress” anywhere “ to win” with them. Well, 
it would be a race to the strongest, the fleetest, who could 
capture her. Had he realized that all that lovely varying 
color, the proud light in her eyes, the exquisite smile, 
were in reality for the sake of Gorman’s “master hand” 
only, who lay, perhaps a cripple for life, in an humble 
Exeford lodging, what our good friend’s opinion of his 
client’s judgment might be I will not venture to say. 
However, if our faces are said only to be masks for our 
feelings, they at least in their expressive moments play us 
very false, and Mr. Robbins, therefore, saw no reason to 
alter the “first-class” estimate, to quote his own words, he 
had made of Alison’s good judgment and sound common- 
sense. They discussed the matter a little further, repeated 
their arrangement to meet at the Everett House at ten 
o’clock the next morning, after which Mr. Robbins, for- 
getting his professional capacity, begged that Alison and 
her “young friend” would take a “snack” of luncheon 
and allow him to introduce his wife and son. 

Mrs. Robbins, a stout, smiling, elderly lady, very 
promptly appeared, bustled about, carried in some hot 
drink, a mixture of “John’s own,” as she exjflained, and 
tasting of raspberry cordial, lemon, and nutmeg very 
agreeably, spice cake being the “adjunct,” while Mr. 
John Robbins, Jr., quite an “elegant young man,” accord- 
ing to Nora’s later description when at home, invited the 
ladies to inspect his special department in the garden, 
where he exhibited proudly half a dozen very ugly but 
valuable dogs, and twice as many prize fowl, every one of 
which had earned recognition at the county fairs, and, 
with such an agreeable exhibitor, were wonderful creatures 
in Nora’s eyes. 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


289 


Altogether a friendlier or more satisfactory visit could 
not have been made. Alison, as they were escorted by the 
attentive father and son to the station, and there put into 
the best seats to be found on the train for New York, felt 
as though the circle of her plan in regard to her grand- 
mother’s legacy, if considerably widened, was very nearly 
spanned; within a short time all must be known — her 
grandmother’s object accomplished, her own part fulfilled. 
For the future, who could prophesy with any clearness as to 
the results of what had included so much that was tangled, 
obscure, perplexing, even tragic? But our heroine felt as 
though the experiences of half a lifetime had been crowded 
into the past few months, and there was a relief from so 
much anxious “thinking” in listening to Nora’s artless 
chatter, promising the girl some pleasant days in the 
future, and in drawing her out as to the state of affairs at 
home, which Alison had guessed were not over-prosper- 
ous, since Molly’s engagement to young Mr. Rokesmith 
was likely to be indefinitely prolonged, dx>r, although that 
energetic young man favored a speedy and happy termina- 
tion to his wooing, Molly thought she “ought not,” Nora 
said, “to leave ma when things were so worrisome.” 

It appeared that various tenants had been “bad pay,” 
and that Connor hadn’t got his promised “rise.” It was 
the old story of a fatherless family struggling in an over- 
crowded city with no strong specialties to distinguish them 
in business as a little above the average worker, and Ali- 
son, in her sympathy with Nora’s anxious little recital, 
almost forgot prudence in the suggestion she was “work- 
ing out” whereby her old friends, as well as some new ones, 
might be satisfactorily aided in their honest efforts to do 
well in the battle of life. But good news, she reflected, 
will keep; and she was exceedingly anxious to do or say 
19 


290 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


nothing which should lower Colonel Winstane’s opinion 
of her good-sense, as well as that “pluck” and finesse he 
had already discovered in her, all of which were part of the 
best qualities she could display just now — moderation and 
prudence. 

So, while assuring Nora she would take counsel with 
Molly and the others and see what might be done, she 
made no definite assertions, delighting her young com- 
panion, however, by her suggestion that before she left 
they should do a little private shopping together, Mrs. 
Norton’s birthday, to occur next week, being the object. 

“Oh, Miss Alison,” exclaimed Nora, as they were once 
more in Benton Place, “how I wish you were rich! 
Wouldn’t you just be the one, though, to have money! 
But,” sighed the girl, “that’s always the way, aint it?” 


CHAPTER XLIY. 


“It is all clear as daylight.” Colonel Winstane paused, 
leaned back in his chair, and, dangling the ribbon of his 
eyeglass, looked at Alison and Mr. Robbins with a peculiar 
smile as he added: “Except this young lady’s part in it. 
I own I’m non-plussed there.” 

“But you admit, sir!” said Alison quickly, “my experi- 
ment, — I don’t know what else to call it, — was a very suc- 
cessful and profitable one?” 

“Yery; still it was a great risk, and might have 
involved serious litigation. As it is, I doubt if they will 
care to make many difficulties. Too many weak places in 
their armor.” 

“Just so,” put in Mr. Robbins. “I declare, sir, State’s 
prison’s too good for some of them.” 

“And who will manage the works, mills, whatever you 
call them, for your client?” enquired the colonel. 

“I don’t doubt she’s quite capable of it herself, only her 
time might be better employed at, — how old did you say? — 
twenty years of age.” 

Alison laughed. “Oh, Colonel Winstane,” she ex- 
claimed, “as if I would think of such a thing! Particu- 
larly with a man like Hugh Broderick ” She stopped 

rather abruptly, and the colonel said : 

“Oh, yes! I remember Mr. Broderick distinctly.” 

“He was my grandmother’s nephew, sir,” said Alison 
quite composedly again. “ I have always had an idea that 
but for me he would have been her heir.” 


291 


292 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


“Well, he isn’t!” said the colonel rather testily. “Mr. 
Robbins, among us all, we must give this young lady some 
good advice, I’m afraid, or she’ll be having too many 
cooks over her new fire.” 

“Broderick is just the man, sir,” asserted Mr. Robbins, 
explaining his thorough knowledge of the business, prac- 
tically and otherwise. 

“Yes, Mr. Broderick has just the qualities needed,” 
said the colonel. 

“H’m— well, ye-es; what do you say, Miss Fane?” 

Alison, who had been absently making little marks with 
her pencil on a bit of blotting-paper, looked up to answer: 

“What? Oh, Mr. Broderick? I have full confidence 
in him.” 

“Then, I suppose,” said the colonel, “directly certain 
legal formalities are gone through with here, — Mr. Rob- 
bins and I can attend to all that, — you will want to take a 
run up there?” 

“Ob, certainly!” said Alison, her heart giving a little 
quick flutter at all the visit might mean. “How soon may 
1 start?” 

“I should think by day after to-morrow. It won’t do 
to leave them too long as things stand now. My son 
Harry will be delighted to be your escort. By the way, 
he knows someone, — I’m not sure who it is, — up that way; 
a college chum, I think.” 

“That will be very kind,” said Alison, rising to leave. 
“I must not delay too long.” She laughed gayly. “I’m 
engineering a surprise party; it’s for my good friend Mrs. 
Norton’s birthday, to-night, and I have a few commissions 
to attend to.” 

“Surprise party, eh? Well, you are a busy little 
Woman. Very well, my dear,” said the thoroughly pleased 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


293 


and well-satisfied colonel. “The girls will leave their 
cards, anyway. You can’t deprive my Rhoda of that satis- 
faction, and very soon I shall look to welcoming you to 
the capital. Now, then,” — Alison had murmured her 
thanks, — “you are content to leave this affair with us?” 
Alison nodded her head. “ I don’t think there’ll be a day’s 
real trouble over it. Eh, Mr. Robbins?” 

“No, sir; Mrs. Broderick was too sharp for that. lean 
arrange,” he added a trifle pompously, “for anything my 
young friend, client, may require in the meantime, and she 
has desired me, sir, to attend to your courtesy — ahem; 
money, after all, is very important.” 

And Mr. Robbins, with a glance in Alison’s direction, 
proceeded, while she withdrew to the window, to return the 
money advanced, accept the colonel’s acknowledgment, 
after which Alison gave her acknowledgment to the very 
well satisfied and contented Mr. Robbins. 

“You’ll find everything will turn out satisfactorily, sir,” 
said the honest little man, as they were leaving. “But I 
always approve of business methods between the best of 
friends. This young lady of course will need a legal 
adviser, and I am sure her late grandmother’s lawyers have 
done too well all along not to help her the right way now.” 

“Certainly, certainly! Well, my dear,” said the colo- 
nel, taking Alison’s hand in both of his, and gazing down 
into her rather anxious young face with genuine kindness, 
which, indeed, the Virginia colonel would have shown her 
were she penniless and obscure, “I am glad to have had 
any part in your good fortune, especially in the very first 
of it; so you must look upon me, upon all of us, as old 
friends from this out.” 

And what wonder that, as Alison, followed by the elated 
Mr. Robbins, went out into the clear wintry sunshine, there 


294 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


was — and from no foolish sentimentality — that sensation 
described as a “lump in the throat,” which kept her silent, 
with eyes downcast. They made their way to Fourth 
Avenue and the car which was to take them to those 
relatives who were already bothered not a little to inter- 
pret an intimation Mr. Thomas Parkinson had received 
that things in the Exeford business were not “all square.” 

But Alison rejoiced heartily when it was all over. 
Some way, in spite of the very striking vulgarity and 
coarseness of these people, there was very little satisfac- 
tion in their discomfiture; rather did it leave her sincerely 
compassionate for lives whose whole aim and end being 
money and money-getting were made so miserable by loss 
of it; and the attempts at first to disdain belief in such a 
tale , then, when Mr. Robbins’ forensic and legal talents 
were brought to bear in such a way as to make doubt 
impossible, the equal effort to be a little more friendly 
with the heiress, all alike disheartened Alison from her 
first intention, which was to be at least friendly and 
lenient. There could be no benefits exchanged here. 
None of them was poor; they were utterly out of her 
reckoning. The Nortons, whom they might, probably 
would, socially despise, were so in every way immeasur- 
ably their superiors that Alison, as she and her indignant 
companion “shook the dust from their feet” at Mrs. 
Parkinson’s door, rejoiced in having so different an ele- 
ment to expect “at home” — a term poor Alison had too 
long, I fear, cheated herself into using. 

It was over, at all events. There had been no triumph — - 
only one more lesson, perhaps an increase of the kind of 
pride with which my little heroine was, it may be thought, 
unduly endowed, and which made her feel how impossible 
even contamination was from people of the Parkinson 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


295 


class, who were, so far as she was concerned, as remote 
from her consideration as creatures in a different planet; 
to be remembered merely as one of the encumbrances 
put aside on her way to that life of tranquil, harmonious 
“ self-possession” she sometimes dared to think, to hope, 
lay in waiting for her. 


CHAPTER XLV. 


“Now, then, my dear young lady,” said the kindly Mr. 
Robbins, as he bade good-by to her at Mrs. Norton’s door, 
“while of course there is no longer the least doubt as to 
establishing your perfectly just claim, or in procuring any 
amount of money you may need, or even desire to spend, 
yet pray let me once more urge caution upon you. 
Remember also that by too much lavishness at once you 
lessen the influence of your power, your money !” 

Alison showed her entire appreciation of what was 
really the very best advice which a whole bench of judges 
might have given. 

“You are a real friend!” she exclaimed. “I know you 
are right. And, besides that, my good counsellor,” she 
added, with that sweet, half-sad look very often in her 
young eyes, “I don’t want just to buy friendship, or care, 
or anything!” 

“Ah, my dear,” said the astute little man, shaking his 
head, “you’re right there, too! But I hope you have not 
purchased it every time.” lie looked at her a trifle anx- 
iously. “There’s one friend you couldn’t ever buy, and 
that’s Broderick. I’m inclined to think with your money 
you will lose him.” 

The girl’s face changed color swiftly, but she tried to 
smile and say lightly: 

“Then even on that account he would not be worth 
keeping! Now, then, Mr. Robbins,” she added eagerly, 
changing the subject, “I want to know how much I may 
spend to-day. Remember, it has to be a ready-money out- 

290 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


297 


lay, and if you and your son will only, as you promised, 
honor us with your presence, I am sure you will see it has 
been well worth while. Come, now ! I positively refuse 
to do it shabbily !” 

“ Well, well; its one o’clock now. Can you wait until 
2.30? Very well; I’ll send you up all I can by a trusty 
messenger, and you can give me your receipt on account.” 

It seemed, indeed, to put the seal of certainty on what 
Alison could not realize as actually her good fortune even 
yet; and that her first really lavish outlay should be for 
others, if it justified Colonel Winstane’s and Mr. Robbins’ 
caution, equally proved our little heroine’s slender thought 
of self, although no doubt the much smaller sacrifices made 
by natures of a different mould demand the greater respect 
and reward, since with temperaments like hers generosity 
implies no self-denial, rather its reverse causes discomfort 
and actual pain — a fruitful theme, perhaps, for those who 
cry down the one and laud the other to bear in mind while 
they deliver their discourse and announce their plaudits or 
condemnation to the world at large. 

Nora was not long in making ready to accompany Ali- 
son on this expedition of secret delight. Mrs. Norton was 
easily “put off,” although Alison took the wise precaution 
to say that she “expected company to-night, and hoped 
Mrs. Norton would take a nice rest, as they all wanted a 
thoroughly good time.” Mr. Rokesmith of course had been 
duly notified, — indeed, Been & Harrison’s was to be one of 
the first places visited, — while Dr. Holton of course had 
been not only “bidden to the ball,” but informed by Alison 
that a friend or two would be acceptable company as well. 

Promptly at 2.30 came Mr. Robbins’ messenger, who 
handed Alison a sealed envelope, desired her to count the 
bills for one hundred and fifty dollars contained within, and 


298 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


sign his receipt; which concluded, with a note of thanks to 
Mr. Robbins, Alison flew away to urge Nora to make haste, 
to give her little hint of “company” to Mrs. Norton, to see 
that Hilda was resting thoroughly, and even while she 
indulged in a pirouette or two of delight around the room 
to wish, — oh, how touch who could say? — she had power to 
summon her one especially wished-for guest that evening. 
Never mind! Alison’s eyes sparkled as she fastened the 
velvet strap of her dainty little bonnet under her chin with 
a pretty filagree pin, and nodded to herself in the glass as 
she reflected on the bit of sentiment she meant to indulge 
in. The first of those crisp bank-notes actually representing 
her income as Mrs. Broderick’s heiress was to go in charity, 
pure and simple, through Dr. Holton’s hands; the second 
Alison meant quite privately, while Nora was engaged 
elsewhere, to invest in something she could take back as a 
remembrance to Broderick of this wonderful fairy-like day. 

The coupe was again in requisition, the man directed to 
drive fast, and the name of a fashionable jeweller on 
Broadway rather startled Nora. When Alison said: 
“I’ve a purchase to make for a friend; will you wait for 
me?” Nora was entirely acquiescent, thoroughly enjoyed 
herself while she waited, leaning back in the luxurious 
little carriage, watching the throng of pedestrians passing 
and repassing on Union Square from the novel position of 
one who “need not walk a step,” as she put it to herself. 
Then Alison came hurrying out with shining eyes, and 
gave the next address to the driver, which was to a confec- 
tioner’s, where she fairly bewildered Nora by the supper 
ordered “without fail by ten o’clock,” the dishes, etc., 
hired to be sent at once ! A number of pretty, appropriate 
German favors were picked out, to be distributed at sup- 
per. Then came the purchase of presents, which occupied 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


299 


delightfully an hour or two in Been & Harrison’s with the 
exultant Molly and ever gallant Mr. Rokesmith in attend- 
ance. Not shy was he of displaying his fine friends to the 
others in Messrs. Been & Harrison’s employ. By no 
means! Molly’s “young man,” as Nora called him, 
escorted them from counter to counter with the air of one 
scion of royalty entertaining another, and if there had 
been anything needed to increase Nora’s respect for 
Molly 's fiance, it was the careless elegance, the superb self- 
possession, w T ith which he conducted himself on this 
occasion. There was no trifling, I assure you, with Mr. 
Rokesmith, no impertinence in the eye of the small cash- 
girl to overlook ! He strolled about in the way of one long 
accustomed to rule, and, if necessary, to conquer and sub- 
due, and Alison, thoroughly appreciating the entire situa^ 
tion, on her side enjoyed aiding and abetting his design, 
asking his advice on every question with such a pretty 
look of anxiety and demand for knowledge that more than 
one fellow-clerk wondered what was “on” with “Billy” 
that he had such a swell customer as evidently one of his 
particular friends. And Billy of course had more than 
once to assure the young ladies he “would not be late that 
evening,” returning from seeing them into their coupe, 
with a slightly haughty smile, but quite ready to explain 
to a friend or two that it was “,only his friend Miss Fane.” 
He had been promising to attend a surprise party she was 
giving to Miss Norton’s people, that was — ahem — all.” 

Useful as well as ornamental were the purchases made 
under Nora’s direction, and the little coupe was so well 
laden that Alison suggested Nora’s driving back with the 
collection, while she remained half an hour or so with a 
friend she had decided also to see the same day — no other 
than the Bessie Harriman of Mrs. Mordaunt’s tale! 


CHAPTER XL VI. 

Alison hesitated a moment on entering the vestibule of 
the apartment house to which she had been directed, as - 
there was no card over any bell with the name of Ham- 
man, but an elderly woman who appeared in the basement 
window told her to ring top floor back, “I guess they aint 
moved or I’d a-known it,” she added, and accordingly 
Alison, having done so, waited a moment only; the door 
opened slowly, and she went into a narrow hall with a 
staircase uncarpeted, but ornamented by an elaborate 
balustrade, ahead of her, up four flights of which she 
slowly toiled. 

At the upper landing, in the semi-darkness, she dis- 
cerned a girlish figure, a thin face lighted by brilliant blue 
eyes and a pretty smile; a voice, sweet, quick, and clear, 
yet in some way not unlike the ease-loving Tasia’s, said : 

“ Is it for Mr. Harriman? The new card isn’t on yet, and I 
forgot to write up the name.” And then Alison, saying 
pleasantly: “Am I speaking to Mrs. Harriman? I am 
Alison Fane from Exeford,” followed her hostess into the 
tiniest hall, thence into a very small sitting-room, which 
the centre table, small sofa, and one arm-chair almost 
seemed to crowd, although there were other, evidently 
home-made, pieces of furniture: boxes covered with 
chintz, — the usual contrivances of the modern flat when in 
miniature proportions, — and withal a very pretty look of 
homeliness about everything which more than made up for 
lack of elegance or style, while everything was scrupu- 

300 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


301 


lously neat and clean. Alison in the momentary pause 
could not but remember that day long ago when Tasia, 
reclining in the deep easy chair of her room at Braune 
House, had told her “poor Bessie’s” story, and it Tvas cer- 
tainly hard to reconcile the lively widow’s picture of an 
overworked young wife in a miserable house with what 
was before her eyes, although the Bessie Harriman of real 
life certainly looked overanxious and rather careworn. 

“Is there any — trouble up there?” said Mrs. Harriman, 
when she and her visitor were seated. “I haven’t heard 
from Tase in a long time.” 

“ I — there is — there may be some business trouble,” said 
Alison, a trifle confused ; but, leaning her elbow on the arm 
of the chair in which she sat, her cheek on her hand, she 
looked anxiously at the face of “poor Hick Harriman’s” 
wife, wondering just how to say what was on her mind. 
To suggest that Tasia was a thorn in poor Agnes’ side 
would not now, she hoped, be necessary, and yet — she 

could not feel all was safe just yet, and But to her 

surprise the girl before her suddenly cut the knot with a 
simple question : 

“Has Tasia been doing anything more to worry Agnes 
Leigh? What a goose Jack is! Why, Tase only likes to 
show her power. Don’t be horrified, Miss Fane. Dick 
and I are only old-fashioned people. You think it ’ll be 
all right? Well, I hope so. I wrote Tase a pretty sharp 
letter the other day. I guess I said a word or two’ll bring 
her to her senses. Grandma Willetts’ been enquiring 
pretty closely into things, as I told her.” 

And then, relieved on this score, Alison made haste to 
say she had called for a very different purpose, and accord- 
ingly explained that a very dear friend of hers who was 
something of an invalid was about to be married to a 


302 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


rising young physician, and there was an idea of join- 
ing forces with another couple in housekeeping. They 
had been so good to her the only substantial way in which 
she could return it was to help make some such arrange- 
ment Her main idea was at last made clear. Sup- 

pose, if they could arrange with the doctor and Hilda to 
begin housekeeping on a larger scale in a neighborhood 
where he had his best practice 

Bessie’s face glowed, her eyes were filled with a soft 
look of happiness, as she listened, and then, standing up, 
she said a little shyly: “PVaps, Miss Fane, you wouldn’t 
mind my bringing Dick in? Of course I’d have to talk it 
over with him! He’s — well, just now he isn’t busy. My 
little girl’s been sick, too,” she added, with a little cough. 
“ Things do come together somehow, but the baby can’t 
Fear to be a minute out of Dick’s sight.” 

And the girlish young creature, who looked little more 
than a child herself for all that clear, bright, resolute way 
of hers, disappeared into the rear of the small flat, return- 
ing presently followed by a tall, broad-shouldered, remark- 
ably good-looking, but very boyish, young fellow of 
perhaps twenty-three or four, a thorough gentleman, how- 
ever, in spite of his wofully shabby attire, and the fact, 
as he unhesitatingly announced, that he had just been 
“coaxing the kitchen fire.” He carried a very tiny, deli- 
cate, but pretty, little creature perhaps eighteen months 
old on his arm, and saying, with a laugh: “Our eldest. 
Miss Fane,” sat down and gave his full attention to the 
plan Alison had to unfold. 

Our heroine saw at once, without seeming to observe it, 
the flash of pleasure in the quick glance exchanged 
between the husband and wife, and presently Mrs. Harn- 
man stood up, saying: “Let me take baby in the next 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


303 


room, dear, and you and Miss Fane can talk business 
better.” Young Harriman promptly agreed to this, and 
when bis wife and “the eldest” had disappeared, though 
the sound of Bessie’s voice singing gayly to the little one 
came from the furthest room beyond, nothing interrupted 
a clearly business talk in which' the young man promptly 
explained to her he had not been doing well for months. 
His marriage had annoyed everyone, then his partner had 
failed; the little one had always been delicate, and Bessie 
was not strong. All through the story, however, he had 
referred to his “patents,” and in summing up he assured 
her he was hopeful, as it only needed a little capital to set 
the whole thing afloat, and he eagerly explained and 
showed off various of his contrivances in the room. 
What had appeared to be an ottoman by a dexterous 
manipulation unfolded and rose up into bookshelves. A 
bracket on the wall unrolled in turn a map of the State, 
the Lord’s Prayer, and a list of the heads of departments 
in Washington. A plaster cast on a small stand, appar- 
ently setting forth the features of the Father of his 
Country, came apart miraculously, to go together again 
as Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison, the pedestal 
of clay being with one turn transformed into the familiar 
patriarchal hat ! 

Alison, like many another, gazed, amused, surprised, 
lost in wonder, as to why such wonderful inventive genius 
had not long ago made, intsead of marred, young Hand- 
man’s fortunes, for he frankly admitted he had given up 
more than one business offer to “stick to his last model.” 

“I’m getting downhearted now, though,” the poor 
young fellow added, as, with his hands in his pockets, he 
gazed ruefully on the plaster cast he had just returned to 
its original outline. “Since I’ve seen Bessie, — God bless 


304 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


her! the best wife a fellow ever had, Miss Fane, — suffering 

so, and the poor little one Well, to be frank with 

you, I’ve walked my feet sore lately trying to get the right 
thing to do! You see, I was laid up myself for some 
weeks, and — well, well, it all came together! But I heard 
lately old Mrs. Willetts’ been asking for us, but I’ll never 
let Bess hold out the first hand there — no, no!” 

Alison listened, deeply interested, touched, anxious to 
serve in the best way possible. 

“But, Mr. Harriman,” she said eagerly, “with your 
wife’s abilities as a housekeeper, your mechanical skill, 
why would not just for the present my plan be a good 
one? Why can’t you help me to make money out of it? 
My idea is this: If you and Dr. Holton will join forces 
with the Rokesmiths in some large enough place to let out 
other rooms, HI be your only debtor. There’s a piece of 
property I’ve long wanted to rechristen : its associations 
are sad; the house is, I’m told, tumbling down for want of 
tenants and repair. My grandmother, w T ho had peculiar 
ideas, lived there; it’s a good neighborhood for business 
purposes, I am sure, for I enquired of a business man 
to-day, Mr. Robbins, and he called it tip-top.” 

The young fellow’s eyes gleamed with pleasure. 

“Have you spoken to Bess yet?” he asked quickly. 
“ Why, that sounds capital! How’d you come to think 
of it?” 

And a quarter of an hour later, young Harriman having 
brought Bessie back to the council, remarking w T ith an air 
of relief the “kid” was asleep, the discussion became eager, 
earnest, and enthusiastic. With the elasticity of tempera- 
ment belonging to his type, poor Dick saw at once limit- 
less possibilities in the scheme suggested, and Alison at 
last rose to go, only after promising to go with them 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


305 


the next day and inspect the late Mrs. Broderick’s 
dwelling. 

“Couldn’t you manage to come up this evening?” she 
added in leaving, explaining the nature of the party and 
the absolute lack of ceremony there would be on such an 
occasion. “You would meet them all then. Couldn’t 
someone take care of the baby?” 

They w T ere at the staircase now, young Harriman’s hand 
resting on his wife’s shoulder. Alison from the step 
below looked up, wondering how often they “went over” 
to each other the night of the famous Yandorn ball. Did 
they, could they, regret it? She fancied not. And in the 
lives she had seen where all was abundance, opulence, dis- 
tinction, were there not cares enough of another kind to 
dim the eye, pale the cheek, weaken the footstep? And 
here eye and step were cheered because the wondrous 
magician’s wand had touched, transformed, the sordid, the 
commonplace; heart to heart, they could afford their 
bravery ! 

“Why, yes, Bessie,” said Harriman, looking down at 
his wife; “you can manage that! It ’ll do you lots of 
good. Thank you, Miss Fane. You’re an angel in dis- 
guise. My wife’s been such a little home body so long 
she’s actually afraid of anyone else’s door- way.” 

“Then you’ll come? How delightful!” said Alison 
with a smile. “I declare, I ought to be very happy. I’m 
getting all my best wishes.” 

But as she hurried away, feeling worried somewhat at 
the lateness of the hour in view of the surprise party, a 
little sigh half unconsciously escaped her lips. 

It was really very late, considering all that was to be 
done, and that no doubt the girls in Benton Place were 
nearly distracted now if the things ordered for the supper 
20 


306 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


had actually begun to arrive in her absence, and Alison 
fairly flew along the pavement, reaching what for want of 
another word she called “ home,” to be met by Nora and 
Molly, and even the dignified Connor, all three full of 
excitement as they begged her to come down and see what 
“the man” had been bringing in. 

“Guess it will be a regular party, and no mistake,” 
observed Connor, with a chuckle of glee, adding that all 
their hastily invited guests were “dead sure” to come. 
The limit had been fixed at a dozen couples. 

And meanwhile, in the little sky parlor Alison had 
quitted, Bessie Harriman was on her knees, her pretty head 
bent against her husband’s arm as he sat in their one 
easy chair, crying as if her very heart would break, and 
Dick, poor fellow, not without a struggle, was trying to 
laugh away her tears, saying suddenly: 

“What do you suppose she would have thought if she 
knew, Bessie, old girl, we’d just been wondering whether 
we could best do without supper to-night or breakfast 
to-morrow morning?” 

And as Bessie, with an hysterical little laugh, looked up 
to say:- “O Dick! think of it!” the baby gave an uneasy 
little moan, and Bessie darted away, returning in about 
five minutes, pale to her lips. 

“See here, Dick Harriman,” she said gravely; “and 
only yesterday you quarrelled with me about Heaven.” 

Tucked away inside of the little blue and white check 
gown of the baby Bessie had found Alison’s handkerchief 
tied tightly around a bit of paper on which “For the new 
house” was written, and inside of that was a crisp twenty - 
dollar bill. 

If Colonel Winstane and Mr. Robbins had been in the 
main quite right in their advice, I think their really wise 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


307 


precautions would not have included this little thank- 
offering, as' Alison called it, had they seen the look the 
young husband and wife exchanged in that moment when 
Dick took her silently into his arms and kissed her gently. 

“Bess,” he said rather huskily, “I ought to be a better 
fellow. I mean to work at anything to — to change all 
this, and, by George, I will! That girl’s coming has 
turned everything about, somehow. God in heaven bless 
her!” 

“Yes,” whispered Bessie. 

“Well, what next?” said Dick, looking down at the 
pale little face. 

“We can get some dinner,” exclaimed Bessie, “from 
the restaurant. Right away, Dick !” 


CHAPTER XLYII. 


There having been no idea of any such festivity in the 
minds of either Hilda or Alison on their coming to New 
York, it required some consideration and a slight expendi- 
ture to create suitable toilet's for the occasion, but Ali- 
son’s bronze-colored silk was very becoming, especially 
with some soft yellowish lace at neck and sleeves, and a 
bunch of rich damask roses in her belt, and Hilda’s pale 
loveliness, scarcely to be called beauty, and yet striking 
and distinguished at all times, was set off by her gown 
of trailing black silk, black net at her throat and 
brought down to the waist in scarf-like fashion, where a 
great cluster of rich red geraniums with their green foliage 
caught it effectively. Her fairness, the heavy coils of 
golden hair, the deep tone of her eyes, all were set off by 
this sombre but rich dress, and as she moved with a languid 
sort of grace across the room Alison could not help think- 
ing her quite charming enough to have pleased any one. 

The Nortons were out in their best gala attire, which 
meant that fine colors, the newest style in cheap jewelry, 
the most “regardless” of coiffures, held the day; but their 
cheery, breezy enjoyment of the occasion was too delight- 
ful and genuine to make Alison a bit critical of form and 
color in such matters, and, as she wisely reflected, since 
they were pleased, what mattered it whether those “super- 
fine feelings” of hers, as Broderick had once characterized 
them, were a bit jarred? It was all to be a genuine merry- 
making, a pleasant, good-humored, home-UJce evening ; and 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


309 


as Alison gave the last touches to the parlor, given over 
to the company, of course, for this occasion, and ran down- 
stairs for a look at the supper-table, she was in excellent 
spirits, and on good enough terms with herself and the 
world in general to almost forget the shadows of the past, 
and the dread she had of some bitter awakening. As she 
neared the dining-room something like a little sob struck 
her ear, and there in the gloom of the hall was Mrs. Nor- 
ton, still in her calico wrapper, her hair very much 
rumpled, while a voice just behind her, which proved to 
be Molly’s, was heard saying: “All right, ma. Here’s 
Miss Fane herself,” and it ensued that Alison’s gifts, just 
opened in her bedroom, had been “too much for her,” as 
she expressed it. 

The girls had chosen well; a black silk dress pattern, 
beaded trimmings, etc., made Mrs. Norton proudly happy, 
while the smaller articles were each and every one suitable 
and useful. There was a gift from each one of her house- 
hold, and poor Mrs. Norton hardly knew whether to laugh 
or cry as she was bustled away to bathe her eyes and 
make herself ready for the party. 

Nearly everyone had arrived when the door opened upon 
Mr. and Mrs. Harriman, and Alison, moving quickly 
forward to greet them, could not but observe the contrast 
their quiet, unobtrusive appearance offered to some of the 
gayly happy company assembled; but it pleased her, all the 
more since she had determined, so far as she was con- 
cerned, they should be friends. Bessie, in a very simple 
light summer silk, looked dignified, pretty, and a thorough 
little lady, and her tall, handsome young husband was as 
evidently a gentleman in the best acceptation of the 
term; and if his mind did occasionally wander to his latest 
invention, he Avas full of good-humored appreciation of all 


310 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


that the scene before them involved and demanded, 
and very soon was the centre of a laughing, merry group 
listening to one of the irresistible Billy’s funny stories. 

“I asked a neighbor to look after baby,” whispered 
Bessie. “ IIow bright and cheery it all is here ! Oh, Miss 

Fane ” she whispered, but Alison, foreseeing what was 

coming, hurried away to bring up a forlorn -looking young 
man, one of Rokesmith’s friends, who was apparently 
quite a stranger. 

On her way back she paused, as the door opened upon 
the Robbinses, father and son, who came in with an air of 
beaming satisfaction, and were promptly seized upon by 
Nora, to be introduced to the family, and Alison, content 
that it should be so, slipped away to an unoccupied end of 
the room to sit down a moment and think out what she 
would do, say, hear, expect to find, in Exeford. 

At this moment the figure of the one hired girl of 
the establishment appeared, coming up the kitchen stair- 
case, a view of which Alison commanded through the side 
door near which she sat. 

It was evident at once that she was the object of 
Hannah’s journey into this region, and, wondering what 
had gone wrong with the supper-table, Alison moved 
quickly forward. 

“He’s downstairs, mem,” said the girl, with a hand on 
her palpitating heart, “and says he must see you if it’s 
only for one minute / ” 

“ He — who?” said Alison, vaguely alarmed, but taking 
the bit of paper Hannah offered her quickly, she read under 
the hall light in roughly scrawled characters the following: 

“I must see you for a moment alone. 

“Gray Gorman.” 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


311 


“ Downstairs, did you say?” said Alison, mastering her 
feelings with a decided effort. No one was observing her. 
Mrs. Norton had been playfully, laughingly, made to sit 
down to the old piano, where with a crowd about her she 
was singing “By the margin of fair Zurich’s waters.” 

Hannah, still short of breath, nodded. 

“He’s in the little room back of the dining-room, miss, 
the kind of a sewing-room, you know,” she said affably, 
not thinking it worth while to mention the dollar Gorman 
had given her for the chance to see Alison there a few 
moments alone. 

“ Very well.” Alison put her hand to her head, deliber- 
ated but an instant longer, and then went down the nar- 
row little staircase, slowly, wonderingly, entering the 
small room mentioned with a curious dazed, yet resolute, 
manner. Bad news of some kind was what she expected, 
and her first glance at Gray Gorman’s face as he stood, 
leaning one arm on the mantel,, his eyes furtively, 
eagerly, watching the open door, did not tend to set her 
fears at rest. Rather did something in the young man’s 
look and manner, and his very voice as in a low tone he 
spoke her name, confirm them. 

But, the mechanical greeting exchanged, she stood very 
still, and, looking at him intently, waited for him to speak. 

“You weren’t expecting me, of course,” he said in a 
queer, constrained voice, “ Miss Fane.” He lifted his head 
suddenly, as though determination of some kind had come 
to him, and looked at the young girl before him with cer- 
tainly all that he had of heart in his eyes. “ I’m here,” he 
said in a low, choked voice, “just at your mercy! I might 
have gone off, — no one needed to have been the wiser, — 
for I’ve got mixed up in a queer business, and— I guess 
this’ll be the last you’ll see of me for a good while to come.” 


312 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


Alison bad mechanically seated herself. There was no 
doubt now that Gorman was terribly in earnest, and he 
flung himself into a chair by the table, pressing his head 
with his hands for a moment, and then, wheeling about, 
went on in a hard, dry voice: 

“I don’t need to blame anybody, only there always is a 
woman in everybody’s trouble. Nevermind; I’m here to 
ask a favor.” He smiled contemptuously. “No, I’ll tell 
you just how down on my luck I am. I’m ready to tell 
you all the story of that — smash-up — with Broderick that 
night for the sake of getting away quietly to — well, I 
suppose, begin again!” 

^Stop!” exclaimed Alison suddenly, and standing up 
over her unbidden visitor, realizing of how deep impor- 
tance to more than herself this interview might be. “Mr. 
Gorman, listen to me ! I cannot, will not, buy any of your 
wretched secrets, but this I will do. Clear Broderick fully 
and completely you must and shall, and that in writing! 
My legal adviser happens to be upstairs now. He will 
settle it all at once, and in the event of your doing it thor- 
oughly to his satisfaction, and unless there is crime to 

answer for ” The girl paused, terrified lest she was 

doing something cruel to the poor creature before her, yet 
not knowing what was really right in the matter. 

“I’m no criminal ,” said the young man sullenly. 
“Except in giving Broderick, — quite unintentionally, as 
I’m sure he’ll tell you, — that knock down in the dark ” 

“ Oh ! ” exclaimed Alison. “Did you hurt him?” She 
recoiled in physical horror. 

“It was all an accident,” exclaimed the young man 
quickly. “Broderick came upon me in his room while I 
was looking at that new plant of his. Some of the boys 
had threatened to smash it, and were coming for that pur- 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


313 


pose, too, I understand. Well, it’s no matter what he 
thought I was doing; I turned and struck; we had a fight 
of a minute or two. The fellows had been there threaten- 
ing him and the whole concern. Broderick had been lay- 
ing for them a good while. I never knew quite how he 
got the worst of it.” 

As Gorman paused Alison for an instant closed her eyes, 
remembering all the chill horror of that night, so short a 
time ago — the confusion, the arrests, the agony of mind 
lest it had been Broderick’s death-blow some hand had 
struck ! 

“I vow I never struck him! Ned Stamer was there in 
the same minute,” Gorman went on. “ I couldn’t have told 
you five minutes later liow it happened.” 

“No matter.” Alison spoke in a low, strained tone. She 
turned away, there was an instant’s silence, broken only 
by the sounds of light-hearted merry-making from above, 
then, suddenly lifting her eyes with new fire in them, she 
said in a quick but deliberate voice : 

“What you intended or wished or anything is of no 
earthly consequence to me now, Mr. Gorman. I was too 
lenient with you before when I did not make my position 
known. Now, simply for the sake of others, — the men 
wrongly accused, poor fellows, your mother, perhaps — 
well, it may be just to help you yourself a very little to 
put your feet in an honest path again, — I’ll make one more 
bargain with you. This time, however, the terms shall be 
all of my own choosing, and when 1 tell you,” added the 
girl, “I have already asserted and proven my claim to my 
grandmother’s estate, you will see how worse than foolish 
any opposition will be.” 

His dulled eyes had lighted with a queer gleam as she 
spoke; baffled pride, anger, disgust at the turn things had 


314 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


taken, deprived his face of every attribute which had 
made it pass current in Exeford and Exetown as hand- 
some — only the weakness, the cunning, the half-veiled 
insolence, remained ; and had Agnes Leigh seen him that 
moment I am inclined to think her contempt for the whole 
affair into which she had been drawn by Gray Gorman 
would have been the last strong sentiment with which the 
man ever would inspire her. 

“Well?” He spoke shortly, nervously, the fingers of 
his right hand moving restlessly. 

“A friend of mine who is upstairs, a legal gentleman 
who has all my confidence, and who can best arrange this, 
matter for me, will come down if I send word,” Alison 
went on. “He will keep any secret as long as I wish him 
to, but he will see the best interests cared for.” 

It had come to this, evidently, with Gray Gorman: that 
if he could drift away out of sight and have something of 
a “starter,” he did not care on what terms the result w r as 
accomplished, nor how lowering it was to that manly pride 
so long his boast. And, once he had shown his true colors, 
he was mainly anxious to end the conference, know just 
what she would “do for him,” not “ with him,” and get 
away. He had not thought it worth while to admit that 
he had discovered that Broderick knew precisely what had 
transpired and was once more on his feet again. 

Alison left him alone only long enough to send Hannah 
with a request to see Mr. Robbins alone downstairs for a 
moment. 

“Be sure no one else sees you, Hannah,” Alison had 
whispered, and Hannah, who by this time was ready to 
accept the whole spirit of the evening in the nature of a 
surprise party, sped away, returning in a moment with 
the ever kindly but certainly mystified Mr.. Robbins. 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


315 


Half an hour later, having contrived a suitable excuse, 
Mr. Robbins and the unbidden guest from Exeford made 
ready to depart together, the legal gentleman assuring 
Alison it would be all right, he’d see to it that “it was 
put in writing, and then — well, a ticket to anywhere the 
gentleman liked could be bought for him.” 

“I think,” said Gorman by way of good-by, “you’ll not 
be sorry to take one message for me, Miss Fane, and 
maybe it ’ll help you not to regret your kindness to-night. 
Tell Agnes for me I married little Alice Shelton this 
morning. If this gentleman will, as he says, come to the 
rooms I’ve taken, he’ll find my wife there to prove it.” 

“Alice Shelton!” Alison spoke in profound surprise. 
“The young girl in the marking-room?” 

“Yes,” said the one-time hero and Adonis of the mills. 
“There’s some pluck about me, you see! I wonder how 
mother and the girls will take it?” he added, with a queer 
laugh. 

“Never mind!” exclaimed Alison. “Only, Mr. Gor- 
man, whatever anyone thinks, remember now she , poor 
child, has only you to care for her, and be good to her!” 

And a moment later Alison was surprised actually to 
find herself shaking her enemy’s hand, her main thought 
being a hope that the young life so — hardly, it seemed — • 
linked with his should not suffer from the weakness which, 
alas! she felt but too surely formed the foundation of the 
man’s vacillating, shallow nature; but it softened her own 
cause for hard feeling, and she was glad that resentment 
had taken no more active expression than the con- 
temptuous pity for Gorman which she felt as she let him 
vanish out of her life. And, after all, as she argued, such 
characters, creating their own misery, create equally their 
own punishment as its reward. 


CHAPTER XLVIII. 


Alison would have been considerably puzzled had any- 
one insisted a day later on knowing just how the 
remainder of that remarkable evening passed, and yet 
that it w*as all “merry as a marriage bell” the very sounds, 
the voices and laughter of one and all, proclaimed, and Dr. 
Holton almost relaxed his vigilant watch upon Hilda, 
seeing how thoroughly the young girl was enjoying 
everything, while he and the Harrimans had the most 
satisfactory talk possible, upon which Alison put in a word 
now and then, in regard to the new enterprise, a final result 
being an arrangement to inspect the property Alison 
was so anxious to rent on her own terms as soon as 
possible. 

These terms, it appeared, she had decided upon, and she 
informed her clients that they were to be “taken or left,” 
just as she liked. She was to put the whole place into fit 
condition; everything but the bare walls, it seemed, was 
to be done away with, apartments for three or four families 
built according to the most approved plan for housekeep- 
ing; and with two tenants “ready-made,” as Alison gayly 
asserted, it was a very good venture. No rents were 
to be paid the first year in consideration of a room being 
reserved for her use, and their undertaking to let out the 
rest, or at least to act jointly as janitors, except for actual 
work, an excellent “person” having been found to attend to 
that, while Alison furthermore hinted that no doubt the 
prospective Mrs. Rokesmith would be the first tenant to 

310 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


317 


apply. And could the gloomy — to her mind unlucky — 
piece of property be put to a better use? With new life, 
new hopes, ambitions, honest young energies, at work 
within those once gloomy walls, surely, thought Alison as, 
the merry, happy conference over, they rejoined the gayer 
guests, a new blessing would descend upon it, and she 
decided that they must choose for the little apartment 
house some peculiarly appropriate and inspiring name, so 
that it should mean good cheer to them all. As the last 
good-nights were spoken, when she and the tired, but 
quietly happy, Hilda were once more alone together, Ali- 
son realized to a certain extent how, in letting the stream 
of one’s life flow in many channels for the good, the happi- 
ness, of those around one, our own heart sadness may be 
hidden — never, it is true, forgotten, yet overlain with 
the only surely mitigating, healing, restoring power: that 
w r hicli comes from a mind and spirit active in the employ- 
ment of all God-given faculties for the best, whether it be 
for those around one or for self, that one’s own uplifting 
and increase of power may react for the general impetus 
onward, the general peace and plenty and good-will. 

How happy one and all had seemed to-night! What 
trifles had made up the really large sum total of innocent 
mirth and enjoyment! How witty, clever, elegant, they 
had all considered young Mr. Robbins! How very odd 
that he should have chosen to sing “Nora Creina”; how 
all his little witticisms,— he and Mr. Rokesmith had formed 
a quick partnership as “merry-andrews,” — had been 
applauded! How Molly had beamed and blushed, and 
declared she couldn’t laugh another, bit or she’d just 
simply expire this very minute; and how awfully funny 
it was of Mr. Rokesmith to call out: “Doctor, doctor • 
haven’t we a physician among us? Here is a dangerous 


318 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


patient, sir!” and how everyone, as Molly said, “just 
howled ” because Dr. Holton said sternly: “I think, sir, 
this young lady requires a trip to Coney Island or some 
other prominent inland resort” ; and then “ that Billy Roke- 
smitli,” as he was often described, called out: “All aboard 
for Manhattan Beach and intermediate stations”; and 
“wa” had said such goings on she never did see, and 
those boys would just be the death of her! Whereupon 
the Argus eye of Billy was turned in her direction as he 
exclaimed: “Gentlemen, give this lady fresh air, if you 
please, and let me take her ticket. The doctor will take 
her temperature and any small change she may have about 
her.” 

All of these remnants of the evening’s innocent, if rather 
foolish, fun came back to Alison in the stillness of the night, 
marking the evening as such a simply happy one that Gor- 
man’s visit and all it revealed seemed at moments a wild 
dream, a sensational impossibility. But it was only too 
true. The morning, with the unflinching power of day- 
light, showed her what lay ahead of her even in the actual 
present, for the first mail brought a line from the active 
Mr. Robbins, which ran as follows: 

“I have arranged that little affair all right, but think 
you’d better be ready to start at once for Exeford. Of 
course Mr. Harry Winstane will accompany ypu. I will 
call about 10 a. m. 

“Respectfully, etc., 

“John Robbins.” 

Alison, who had ordered her own and Hilda’s breakfast 
sent in from a neighboring restaurant, wondered as she 
drank her coffee and ministered to her friend’s simple 
w r ants how the “little affair” had been managed, and also 


ALISOJSTS AD VENTURES. 


319 


how and where Mr. Robbins had found the poor little 
bride, Alice Shelton, whom she remembered as a very 
pretty, simple-looking little creature, not more than seven- 
teen, to whom, no doubt, Gray Gorman had appeared as 
a perfect prince among men, and now as easily posed as a 
“hero.” 

She had told Hilda in a general way that things were in 
a “queer state” up at Exeford, that it would be necessary 
for her to take possession speedily, and Hilda was too 
thoroughly imbued with the prevailing idea that Alison’s 
life was a charmed one to have anything really surprise 
her connected with it, and, moreover, she had too much 
reason for deep, quiet content in the way her own affairs 
were being adjusted to be more than very grateful, — how 
much she could not half express, — and completely happy. 

The neighboring clock had scarcely finished the last 
stroke of ten, and the parlor, after last night’s revel, 
resumed its former appearance of rather angular uniform- 
ity and good order, when the sleepy Hannah ushered in 
Mr. Robbins, and that worthy’s face was a study as he 
appeared, last night’s adventure, as he was certainly at 
liberty to call it, marking one more chapter in what he 
always called the Broderick account . 

“Well, Mr. Robbins,” said Alison with a smile, “when 
you long ago offered me your services, I am afraid you 
little thought of all they would involve. Why, I’m not 
sure but that I’ll be asking you some of these days to 
open a special office for me and my friends.” 

“Nothing more likely, my dear young lady!” exclaimed 
Mr. Robbins, with a very serious shake of his head, as he 
took the chair offered him, and very carefully laid down 
his silk hat. “Well, now to this last affair. I conducted 
the — gentleman to his room, over on the west side, — an 


320 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


ordinary lodging, up three flights, double back room, — and 
it was quite true: there was a mere child, a frightened- 
looking little thing, who burst right out crjdng ’cause she 
thought he’d been killed or run over!” 

“Poor little Alice! What a fate!” 

“Well, he spoke very soft, — I don’t take stock in that 
sort of thing; like as not he’ll be tired of her in a week, — 
told her to go down to the landlady’s room w 7 hile we 
talked business, and then, Miss Fane, I tackled to it! Got 
it all down to a fine point: it clears those poor rascals up 
there; and really I don’t believe he meant to hurt Brod- 
erick, but he was , sure as fate, fooling around his desk and 
drawers, looking up his designs or what-you-call-’ems for 
the machine Broderick was working out, and Heaven 
knows just what else he’d meant to do; for the man’s 
worse than a cad — lie’s a sneak ! ” 

“And you have his full and free acknowledgment and 
all that is needed to free the men from blame, and entirely 
clear Mr. Broderick from any, the very least, suspicion of 
complicity?” 

“Safe as a church!” declared Robbins, and he produced 
with the most judicial manner a two-page document to the 
full effect desired, and signed by Gorman in his boldest 
characters. 

Alison smiled. “And the little wife? She need not 
know it? ” 

“Not a word! She’ll find him out soon enough! Poor 
girl ! What an outlook ! Where will love be when she 
finds she’s married such a swindler? Well, well! I’ll do 
as I suppose you wish me to: buy tickets for Chicago to 
start to-night. I own I begrudge another cent, but I 
understand on the girl’s account they are not to go empty- 
handed.” 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


321 


“ Quite right. I’m very glad ” 

“Well, I got a chance when my gentleman went out 
after a paper to slip a little something into her hand, 
and I gave her my address, and said of course it was all 
from you, and I knew you’d like to hear how she got 
along.” 

“ Oh, Mr. Robbins, you managed beautifully !” exclaimed 
Alison. “We must open that little private bureau of ours 
very soon !” 

“Just so! Well, I guessed what you’d be likely to 
want done, and I’m glad it meets your views. Now, then, 
I’ve agreed to be ready to buy their tickets and see them 
off for the great city of the We$t. My ! what a showing 
up there would be out there if the last trump sounded un- 
expectedly and all names called! We’re a wonderful 
people !” 

Alison smiled. “I don’t know yet, as I’m not in formal 
possession of anything, how all this is to be managed,” she 
said. “But of course the firm understands it all, as you 
say, so I’ll leave it to you. If it were not for having 
arranged to start for Exeford, I’d go and see them off 
myself on that poor child’s account. But you must say 
all sorts of kind things for me, and — stay, can’t you take 
a note from me? I’ll beg of her to write to me herself 
just how things are going on. That may be of some use, 
even as a check upon her husband, for, somehow, I cannot 
yet trust the man even to be true and kind to her.” 

“You can’t, of course! That’s a nice thought, my 
dear — ahem — Miss Fane,” said the sympathetic little man, 
whom years of the “law” had not yet deprived of the milk 
of human kindness, rather seemed to make its flow a richer 
one, since so much misery was daily brought to light; and, 
while Alison hurriedly wrote a few lines of best meaning 
21 


322 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


to Gorman’s poor little unsophisticated bride, Mr. Rob- 
bins walked about the room with his hands behind him. 

“Now, then, Mr. Robbins, I suppose you can tell me 
how much money will be needed, how to get it — in short, 
all about this, our last business transaction for to-day at 
least.” 

And in the rapid business talk which followed this point 
was settled, and once more Alison felt that so much was 
added to the “credit side” of the Broderick wrong, one 
more stain of disease wiped away, while she prepared with 
a lighter heart for the all-important journey to Exeford, 
Mr. Winstane having sent word he would call for her in 
full time for the 1.15 express. Meanwhile a note of sym- 
pathetic reassurance was despatched to the Harrimans. 

It was a relief, — how great she had not anticipated, — to 
be at last on the cars, to which the very cheery, good- 
looking, versatile young Virginian had escorted her, to be 
in as comfortable seats as the parlor car could provide and 
find Mr. Harry Winstane capital company, greatly inter- 
ested to hear all she had to tell him of the family of his 
old college chum Guy Egerton, to whom he said he had 
despatched a line, stating that he might visit the old manu- 
facturing town. Hilda had clung a little nervously to 
Alison on leaving, but her assurance of a speedy return 
was very prompt, and the Nortons were eager in their 
attentions, and Hr. Holton sute to overlook nothing which 
could add to her comfort and daily amusement. Could it 
be, Alison was thinking, as once more she bade her Benton 
Place friends farewell, that not a year had elapsed since 
that morning in the old square when she had sat long 
and anxiously counting up her resources, her acquirements, 
reckoning as to how long her slender capital would hold 
out, and wondering what she could expect from her vision- 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


323 


ary, unknown grandmother, to whom she had made that 
perfectly natural, but perfectly unprecedented, perhaps she 
might consider unwarranted, appeal? And here she was, 
after a series of incidents out of which she fancied a 
novelist might weave a very passable plot, going to a 
town she had then known of only by name to claim an 
independent fortune. How grateful was our little hero- 
ine I can scarcely say in that from first to last she had 
always tried cheerfully and humbly to say God’s ways 
were his own of leading, her duty only to follow that 
leading, and to hold her tangled skein with patient fingers 
see it slowly unwound, and its further usefulness made 
clear. 

There was much to do, much to think of; and how all 
this might or would affect Agnes and her husband she 
could not but wonder, not a little of her anxiety being to 
see how things had fared these days in the sombre old 
Braune House. 


CHAPTER XLIX. 


Alison had telegraphed both to Dr. Egerton and Jack 
Leigh to meet her, at the station, and as the train pushed 
into the familiar mountain-girthed old town Alison caught 
sight of the doctor’s wide-brimmed hat and young Leigh’s 
broad shoulders and keen, handsome face in the usual 
crowd of people hanging about the station; a moment 
more and she was shaking hands, introducing her friend 
Mr. Winstane, who had come up on “pleasure and busi- 
ness combined”; the doctor was regretting Guy’s absence, 
but declaring “his Kate” should try and atone for it; then, 
while the doctor bore the young Virginian away to his 
carriage, and Alison was preparing to go to Bend Lane 
with Mr. Leigh, arrangements were made for a general 
rendezvous later in the doctor’s house, Mr. Winstane of 
course understanding that so far as business was concerned 
he was to say nothing until Alison gave the cue, and the 
indefatigable Robbins was to arrive with every credential 
later in the evening. 

“How is Agnes?” was Alison’s first question as she and 
her companion turned down the well-known little woody 
path toward her humble, but in her eyes happy, little 
home. 

“Better, really brighter and stronger than I have ever 
known her,” said Leigh, with a look of genuine pleasure 
on his handsome face. “She is in good spirits— most of 
the time,” he added, “and more than impatient to see you. 
Did you— have you heard of Gorman’s flight?” he added. 

324 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


325 


Alison murmured a constrained “Yes,” then went on: 
“Had he become involved in much trouble?” 

“Well, it appears things had not been on the square for 
quite a little time, but it’s been a terrible blow to the old 
man. It’s completely crushed him! The whole family, 
indeed, seem in a state of mental collapse over it. They 
had always held their heads so high. Now there’s a 
rumor from somewhere that there’s more bad news com- 
ing. It can’t be anything to hurt the mills that I can see, 
for they were never in a more flourishing condition. It 
was just this, no doubt, which made Gray Gorman think 
it easy to fool around with the books. Everything was 
too prosperous to be very strictly guarded. Oh, yes, the 
directors anticipate a fine year.” 

Alison, without daring to lift her eyes, said quietly: 

“And the men thrown out of work that miserable 
night?” She was leading up to other questions, and when 
Jack said carelessly: “Oh, well, of course they’re not all 
on yet, but they’re looked after,” she contrived to say 
composedly: “And Mr. Broderick — is he quite well 
again?” 

“Broderick!” Jack’s eyes lighted with a curious gleam 
as he answered. “No, and yes; he is awfully thin and 
worn-looking, of course, but he’s on his feet, with his arm 
in a sling, most of the time. He’s the uneasiest chap ! I 
don’t know what, but something’s working in his mind. 
I’ve a notion, when all this affair is well wound up, he’ll 
be taking French leave of us. That was a close call he 
had that time, Miss Fane ! Great luck, your finding him !” 

A half-audible “Yes” from Alison was presently followed 
by Leigh’s saying: “There! Your friend Miss Homer’s 
out in the lane with old Janet looking for you, I declare!” 

And sure enough the pair of trusty allies were to be 


326 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


seen, Miss Homer having extended her visit to include a 
welcome of one she regarded actually as a kinswoman, and 
certainly one after her own heart. 

But scarcely a word was exchanged as the trio clasped 
hands; beaming eyes and broad smiles, however, made the 
welcome hearty, and Alison was led into her little parlor 
in a sort of triumph, while the odors reaching from the 
kitchen heralded a repast such as Miss Homer considered 
worthy this decidedly important occasion. 

“How, then,” said Mr. Leigh brightly, “I suppose I 
can’t leave you in better hands just now, can I? May I 
tell Agnes that you will see her soon?” 

“Yes,” said Alison quickly. “But, Mr. Leigh, one 
word, please, before you go.” She had entered the little 
parlor, and stood there now among its homely but home-like 
surroundings, all so full of meaning to her that her heart 
was beating swiftly. “ I w r ant to impress one thing clearly, 
definitely, upon you. Whatever be the result of the busi- 
ness conference I believe you already know something 
about, nothing , I trust, can alter the friendship, remember, 
you and Agnes offered me in my lonely, friendless estate. 
No, no,” — she smiled faintly as he was about to speak, — 
“I am not, perhaps never will be, so happy and prosperous 
a woman that I can afford to lose what is more to me, has 
been more, than you can ever think.” 

She held out her hand, and as Leigh grasped it cordially 
he exclaimed : 

“If there were only more Alison Fanes among us ” 

She shook her head, still smiling. “No, no, I am noth- 
ing to be proud of yet, only — don’t desert me.” 

“By Jove!” was Leigh’s mental exclamation as he 
walked away. “Is Hugh Broderick blind, or a fool, or 
only — is it that cursed pride of his? And a girl in a 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


327 


million anywhere! Why, any one claim she could set up 
would make most of men’s nerves tingle! How came it 
I didn’t, as Agnes did, think her more than ordinarily 
good-looking at first? Why, when her eyes light up, 
and that, — I don’t know what it is exactly, — comes into her 
face, the girl’s an absolute beauty! What can Broderick 
be thinking of? The old duffer! I declare, I’ll tell him so, 
to his face, I do believe, before long.” 

And the worthy young master of Braune House went 
his way homeward, and to the late luncheon or early dinner 
awaiting him, with talk enough ready to interest, amuse, 
and brighten Agnes, whom he had lately discovered was 
full of a keen, bright wit which perhaps had lain a bit too 
long rusting, and was just saved in time to prevent its 
degenerating into those sarcastic powers which many 
women, — and men, too, no doubt, — pride themselves upon 
possessing, to be at once the annoyance and delight of 
their acquaintances and, — saving the mark! — friends. 


CHAPTER L. 


“ Theke you are ! I declare, you dear girl, how glad I 
am to see you!” 

And Miss Egerton made a prompt rush for Alison as she 
appeared at the doctor’s gate-way, and bore her off in 
triumph to the family sitting-room and a really motherly 
embrace from the doctor’s wife. 

“Father and those gentlemen on business are all in the 
dining-room,” Kate went on with her. usual volubility, 
“and, mother, doesn’t she look tired, poor child? Never 
mind; a whiff or two of our old Exeford air will set you 
up. Dear me, it seems an age since you went away, and 
if all that the birds of the air are carrying about is 
true ” Kate broke off rather abruptly, with a search- 

ing glance Alison could not misunderstand, while as she 
left them Mrs. Egerton gave her head a meaning shake. 

“The birds of the air are great busybodies,” laughed 
Alison; “but, O Kate, if they’ve told you to be very 
polite, what you call nice , to my special friend, Mr. Win- 
stane, your brother Guy’s chum, then I’ll forgive them.” 

“The young man with the very top-lofty manner and 
eyeglasses?” 

“He wears eyeglasses; as for his top-loftiness, I can’t 
say it prevented his being a most delightful travelling 
companion. His father is, oh, such a darling! a real Vir- 
ginia gentleman ! I’m angling and fishing and sighing for 
an invitation to visit them in Virginia some day.” 

“Alison Fane, are you a rank impostor, or only the 
duckiest girl on earth?” 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


329 


“I don’t know about the last. Yes, perhaps I am an 
impostor, like most of us. But, O Katrina! not when I 
say my heart’s in Exeford, and glad I am to see it!” 

“For it” thought Kate, “read him this time!” But 
aloud she answered lightly : 

“I’d break my bank upstairs to leave Exeford for a 
while, as I’m tired of everything in it.” 

“If I invite you to go away with me, then, will you 
decline?” laughed Alison. 

“I’ll grovel to you for asking me,” was Kitty’s retort; 
and then came sounds of moving chairs, the opening of 
doors, and presently Dr. Egerton, looking very grave, 
rather pale, in fact, came out, approached Alison, holding 
out his hand courteously as he said: 

“My dear, will you step into the dining-room for a 
moment? We — the gentlemen wish to see you.” 

And Alison, wishing heartily the next half hour was 
well over, stood up and slowly followed the good doctor 
from the room, Kitty silenced by the solemnity of her 
father’s manner, the evident importance of what was going 
on, in which, as she knew, Alison’s interests were some- 
how under discussion. 

All eyes were turned naturally upon the slender young 
figure at the doctor’s side as he re-entered the room, and 
if there was a certain embarrassment in her manner, 
inseparable from her feeling on such an occasion, there 
was an unusual dignity about the young girl, something 
which one and all felt, and which gave her at once a per- 
sonal importance even in that grave and dignified com- 
pany. She might have been a young sovereign coming to 
receive the insignia of her rights as she stood among them, 
her embarrassment shown only in her pallor and the down- 
cast lids of her dark eyes; but when Jack Leigh stood up, 


330 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


saying courteously: “ Doctor, shall Miss Fane sit down 
over there?” indicating a place near the table, Alison 
looked up, a happy, gentle smile covering her face as she 
took the seat indicated, while introduction to the only 
actual strangers present, Mr. Brice, a well-known lawyer, 
and his clerk, was gone through, and Alison, glancing 
about, saw that the rest of the company included the 
principal directors of Gorman’s Mills, an old retired sea- 
captain, supposed to have large interests in the concern, 
and an ex-judge, also in some remote way connected 
with it. 

The fact of this gathering of forces alone indicated how 
important the occasion was, and young Winstane’s voice, 
with its agreeable Southern accent, saying: “Now, then, 
if you please, gentlemen,” led the way to the important 
part of the business meeting. 

Gradually, as she became accustomed to the voices, the 
idea that they were all talking to, at, or of her, Alison’s 
shyness wore away, and in the next ten minutes she found 
herself only an anxious, interested listener, while they 
explained to her that they were one and all, as directors of 
the company, admirers, etc., quite ready and willing to 
believe she was really the sole heir to all the estate, real 
and personal, of the late Mrs. Rachel Broderick. 

“And I must say, my dear young lady,” said Judge 
Brownell, looking at the girl before him over the rim of 
his spectacles, and speaking in the very gentlest accents, 
“we are one and all only anxious to see you assert your 
authority, and to welcome you among us. Fortunately, 
the — ahem — well, somewhat careless management has not 
done too much harm; the business is a most important 
one, and will, we hope, prosper for many a year to come.” 

And Alison could only once again smile and look what 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


331 


she could not speak, but in the eager talk which ensued 
she understood that, her claim having been virtually estab- 
lished, a very few preliminaries would be needed to com- 
plete legal proceedings which would make her understood 
and acknowledged to be Rachel Broderick’s sole heir; the 
fact was in reality accomplished. When Alison stood up 
at last, she was virtually recognized what she had known 
herself all those months really to be, the mistress of “Gor- 
man’s” and the wealth it had accumulated, but, as she 
afterward thought with a smile of pleasure, such was the 
peculiar spirit of the town which had made the fortune for 
her that, even in the little breeze of congratulation and 
laughing, pleasant comment which followed, there was no 
more of actual politeness and deference than had been 
shown her in this very house when she was only one of 
Gorman’s “hands.” Not a whit more was she respected 
as she stood among them, heiress to the Broderick wealth, 
than she had been as simple Alison Fane, rather handi- 
capped than otherwise by her relationship to old “Madam 
Broderick.” 

“Very glad to have the pleasure of meeting you, my 
dear,” from the old judge as he shook her by both hands. 
“ I remember your father perfectly. Wonderful likeness 
to him about the mouth and eyes. Ahem! my wife and 
daughter will call upon you with pleasure. Eh? what did 
you say — Bend Lane? Upon my word, you have been 
hiding yourself,” etc., etc. 

And so it went on, Alison too young and healthy-minded 
not to enjoy it all to a degree. At last the all-impor- 
tant seance was ended, and Jack Leigh approached, holding 
out his hand : 

“Brava, Miss Fane! I declare, you have done admi- 
rably! Even the judge’s address was well answered! 


332 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


We’ll be sending you to congress as a special delegate 
some day, I am sure; what do you saj 71 , Winstane?” 

Alison laughed, and the young Virginian, with mock 
horror, held up his hands. 

“ We’ll get her down to Virginia,” he exclaimed, “and 
show her the royal w r ay to fame among us. We boast the 
woman’s kingdom, you know !” 

“I am sure of it. Don’t repent your invitation,” she 
answered gayly. “ For my heart is set on it, especially 
after meeting your father. I am so anxious to see 
Agnes!” she added, breaking off to look earnestly at Jack. 

“And she to see you. Have you quite understood all 
these formalities, I wonder? Do you imagine you will 
have to ‘boss’ Gorman’s, — the old name sticks, — in 
person ?” 

“Fancy it! No, indeed! Are not all these gentlemen 
stockholders and directors and things just as usual?” 

“Precisely; you will only require a thoroughly compe- 
tent, experienced, reliable, and honest manager.” 

He spoke with a shrewd look and smile which made 
Alison’s color deepen, but she nodded her head, said “No 
doubt,” and then turned to answer a remark from Kitty 
Egerton, who had drawn near. 

“Thank you so much. I can’t stay to-day,” in response 
to an invitation to dinner. “You know I am going over 
to see Agnes, and first must attend to one or two matters 
at home.” 

“Well, to-morrow, perhaps,” said Kitty, gazing with 
affectionate pride upon Alison. “Anyway, you must be 
tired out, I am sure, and need a rest now above all things.” 

“No,” said Alison brightly. “I feel uncommonly well, 
‘quite fit,’ as your brother says. O Kitty, where is that 
sweet mother of yours? I want a word with her so much.” 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


333 


Mrs. Egerton was found in a tiny little room, squeezed 
in between the parlor and the doctor’s study, devoted to 
various household purposes of her own, and Alison dashed 
right into her subject. 

“ Oh, Mrs. Egerton !” she exclaimed, as the large-hearted 
woman clasped her by both hands, drawing her down 
beside her on the deep, old-fashioned sofa. “I feel so 
stranded in some ways! No girl, it seems to me, ever 
needed advice — a real mother’s counsel — more than I do 
this moment. It’s all very fine to be acknowledged as my 
grandmother’s heiress, but — oh, but ” 

Mrs. Egerton smiled. “Yes, my love, I know just what 
that means; but, somehow, little as I have seen of you, I’m 
some way not afraid of prosperity for you, and you know 
what I think of my husband’s opinion. Well, he’s not 
afraid.” 

“Oh, the money part doesn’t frighten me,” declared 
Alison, gazing out upon the wintry lawn and now desolate 
but sunny garden framed in the window near her. “But 
I don’t want first of all to use my prosperity badly, nor 
because of it to have others use me so.” 

Mrs. Egerton regarded the fine, spirited, but gentle 
young face of the girl beside her with a moment’s grave, 
anxious reflection. She was almost certain she guessed at 
the deeper meaning conveyed in Alison’s sigh and words, 
and she — alas! too well— knew her little daughter’s secret. 
But, in spite of all the wealth of mother-love, the momen- 
tary temptation to put the newly made heiress of “Gor- 
man’s” on her guard against letting her heart “follow its 
leading,” Mary Egerton was too true, too fine, a woman 
not to say just what she felt and believed to be the truth; 
and as Alison, feeling her involuntary tightening of the 
hands she still held in hers, turned her eyes back to Mrs. 


334 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


Egerton’s face, the latter said with a gentle, beautiful 
gravity which made her face and voice at that moment 
always to be remembered: 

“My child, I think I know what you mean, and let me 
tell you this: Be true to your best instincts in this matter! 
Act fearlessly and bravely. Do not put on any foolish 
airs of holding yourself aloof. Be your own sweet, true, 
natural self, and if there is, as I believe to be the case, 
an honest man’s love waiting for you, make the way easy 
for him, lest in your new position he think that you have 
put all faith in him aside. There, now! Don’t get so 
terribly red, my dear! We haven’t been telling any state 
secrets. And, remember, I’ve had a very useful pair 
of wide-open eyes,” — Mrs. Egerton hesitated, a look 
strangely sad crossed her face, — “a mother’s eyes, Ali- 
son,” she added in a lower tone. “Ah! how far they see 
only we mothers, poor things, ever know.” 

And then, abruptly leaving Alison in a frame of mind 
where if speech was hard, thought at least was rapid 
enough, Mrs. Egerton stood up, and, goingto the window, 
made some commonplace remark about her plants, and 
Alison could only wonder; her half guess startled her, 
yet to pursue the subject was now impossible, and, anxious 
to promote one object of her visit, she spoke of young 
Winstane, his friendship for Guy, his fine opening in life 
under his father’s auspices. 

“Ah, yes!” sighed Mrs. Egerton. “He seems a delight- 
ful young fellow. Guy says his record at college was Al 
all through. I hope he’ll come back again to see us. 
What on earth is Kitty doing out there?” she added, break- 
ing off suddenly, as from the window the dauntless Kate 
was to be seen leading the young Virginian toward the 
dog kennels. “Oh, that wonderful pup of Guy’s!” she 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


335 


exclaimed, laughing. “I declare, that girl of mine is a 
funny mixture.” 

“She’s a darling!” exclaimed Alison, as she beheld the 
elegant young Winstane almost on his knees with Kitty 
in front of the largest kennel. 

But the business of the day was in Alison’s mind only 
begun. IIow was she to meet Broderick, who she felt 
tolerably certain would seek her very soon? Concealment 
of her real position was at an end. And then she roused 
herself to bid good-by for the present, to speak of Mr. 
Robbins’ efficient aid in all this, finally, to agree that at 
four o’clock she would be quite ready to go back with 
Jack Leigh to Braune House and Agnes. 

She had insisted so urgently upon going back to Bend 
Lane alone that there was nothing to do but let her have 
her own way, but of course certain business meetings must 
follow later. 

“And if I’m not mistaken,” observed Judge Brownell, 
“we’ll have to try and restrain our young friend a little, 
or she’ll be too promiscuous in her — well, money favors; 
charity isn’t the word to use.” 

“Pre-cisely, pre-cisely!” echoed Mr. Brice; and the 
gentlemen after a little further discussion went their several 
ways, no one overtaking Alison, who had chosen an out- 
of-the-way route to the cottage, anxious, glad of the quiet 
chance, to think quite by herself as she walked along. 


CHAPTER LI. 


Great as had been the work of the morning, deeply as 
it had stirred her very heart’s depths, it was all as nothing 
to what as she entered the cottage she saw was before her. 
Broderick, in his familiar attitude, was standing by the 
mantel, his eyes fixed with quiet earnestness upon the 
door-way, which for an instant framed her hesitating, 
reluctant figure. 

But it was for an instant only. 

Alison, taking in swiftly certain changes his illness had 
wrought, — the thin outline of his cheek, the rather sunken 
eyes, the settled gravity of his expression, — felt only how 
much he needed rest and care, and as usual her eyes spoke 
for her, for Broderick, with that rare, sweet smile, came 
forward, held out his hand, and saying: “Am I like a 
ghost that I frighten you?” brought the color back to her 
cheeks and self-possession to her manner. 

“It almost seemed so!” she said, not at once withdraw- 
ing the hand that rested in his. “Oh, I am very glad to 
see you in the flesh again! You look thin and worn, but 
it — is you !” 

“And for yourself?” Broderick’s heart was rather 
desperate in its movements, but he controlled his voice as 
he looked down, eagerly taking in the outlines of the face 
that had never once left his mind since he had seen it last; 
every feature, expression, was known and dear to him: its 
altered look now, the anxious, half-frightened eyes, the 
sweet mouth, drooping, he fancied, yet striving to smile; 
it seemed to the man as though, gaze as he might, he could 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


337 


never half fill up the longing anxiety absence had created. 
And to think what a strange, sordid barrier was this that 
separated them! What a life they two, kindred in all the 
higher tastes and cravings of the soul and mind, alike in 
the main aims of existence, ambition to them only a means 
of expanding noble purposes, yet equally drawn together 
by the bond of simple faith and affection — what a life they 
might lead ! The very thought seemed as it rushed across 
Broderick’s heart and mind to make him dizzy with all it 
implied. 

“Am I changed?” said the girl lightly. “No, no, I 
think not. I am tired of nearly everything, and this — 
these last developments leave me hopelessly at sea. Ah ! 
was ever a girl, I wonder, quite so much in need of help?” 

“No,” said Broderick, calm again, and smiling in his 
old, half-tormenting fashion. “I quite agree with you. 
Some day, if I ever intrude upon your new world, I want 
to hear a great deal from your own lips about the past. 
I understand now you have inherited at least part of 
Gorman’s.” 

There was a brief, a scarcely momentary, hesitation. 
Then Alison, looking at him very gravely, said in a simple 
way: 

“ I own it all, they tell me, under my grandmother’s last 
will. I believe there is no disputing the fact.” 

’ She moved over to the window, stood there, not daring 
to trust herself to look back at Broderick, in whose absolute 
silence was something she could not fail to dread, yet she 
longed to have him speak, and when he did so, turned swiftly, 
not moving, however, from the place she had taken. 

“I have long expected this, or something like it,” he 
said slowly. “There was always something incompre- 
hensible to me in your coming as you did, unless with a 
22 


338 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


motive, since I knew, of course, the idea of your needing 
a trade was absurd. You could — you were equipped to 
support yourself surely in some easier fashion. Then that 

night you talked to Gorman ” 

“Ah!” exclaimed Alison, a light breaking in upon her 
now, revealing much that had seemed inexplicable in 
Broderick’s change of manner; “so you heard that?” 

“Enough to understand that you were there as at least 
part heir to the whole concern. Understand me: I was no 
willing eavesdropper. Where I stood I could not move 
without revealing mj^self, and but for all that followed 
later I would certainly have let you know precisely what 

I heard ; and then my accident ” 

The pause was significant. Alison was silent for an 
instant of doubt, of dread, lest in any way that which 
she might do or say would seem unwomanly, yet to be tor- 
tured in this fashion was unendurable. 

“Do you remember,” she said slowly, but looking at him 
with very gentle eyes, “anything of what was said 
when — I found you?” 

“Alison!” Broderick moved forward, his sombre eyes 
lighting as with a great, overmastering joy. “Listen to 
me! I cannot be mistaken! It is not, must not, be all 
dreamland ! Surely, in those supreme moments when death 
seemed so awfully, surely, near, it was from your heart, 
your deepest, truest impulses, you spoke. There could 
have been no question of worldly motives then. If ever 
the lips carried the message of the soul, yours did when I 
felt them, Alison, wounded, faint as I was, laid against 
my cheek. Can it have been all a dream?” 

“Hugh!” the girl exclaimed, tears starting to her eyes. 
“Yet you talk of this wretched money as something that 
could dare to come between us !” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


339 


“You are right!” the man exclaimed, moving forward, 
and, seizing both her hands, he looked down into her face 
with an expression of command, and yet infinite tenderness. 
“Alison, there are not, should not, be barriers between us 
of our own making. Look up at me, my child ! Ah, I read 
my earthly joy, Alison, in those eyes of yours; and yet, 
dear, I dare not even yet ask or allow a pledge. You must 
see another, wider, world before I dare to bid you — to let 
you say what I shall be all and every day longing to hear.” 

“Ah,” cried Alison, “you are too stern, too exacting! 
What is it you mean me to do?” 

“I mean,” said Broderick slowly, dropping the fingers 
he had nearly crushed, and walking back to the fireside, 
where, however, he did not for an instant release her from 
his intent gaze — “1 mean you to go away, perhaps with 
these people, the Winstanes, to Washington, and see the life 
of the gayest city in the universe and all that its triumphs 
can offer you. Remember, I shall go on here; if,” — he 
smiled, — “ you so arrange it, I will be working for your busi- 
ness interests still; then, when you have gone the rounds, 
if you still can come to me, can send for me to hear those 
words I — yes, I have heard you speak once: ‘Hugh, Hove 

you ’” He broke off , then resumed : “If such a life as I 

lead, simple in its daily routine — if such a life, with me, 
Alison, to love and cherish, guide and care for your 
slightest wish as though it were Heaven’s own law, can be 
ours, then, my dearest, I will thank God for having the 
greatest of all earthly goods at last my own.” 

“I yield; I must, I suppose,” she said, with simply a 
shy, upward glance. “And the little gift, or token, I 
bought the other day for you in New York must be my 
pledge of submission. Oh, that it should have come to 
this with me, with all my independent theories!” 


340 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


He laughed, the joyous, deep-hearted laugh she had not 
heard in many a day, watched her take from a case in her 
writing-desk a little packet, which she bid him open when 
he was alone at home. “It is too small to be valuable of 
itself,” she said. “I want you to let it remind you of me 
in the best way.” 

There was a brief pause. 

“I must be going,” Broderick said. “And you are to 
start at once to Braune House. Agnes Leigh is most 
impatient to see you.” 

“Yes.” The remembrance of all the visit meant 
brought a shade to Alison’s bright look. 

“And I suppose you will be off at once for New York. 
Ah !”. with a long drawn breath, “shall I ever control you, 
I wonder?” 

“No!” said the girl gayly. “You may advise, counsel, 
commend, ask, and I will yield. Control, command, and 
I will rebel!” 

“Questions, terms, no right-minded beings should ever 
need to employ,” said Broderick, with a half smile. 
“Well, this is really good-by. I shall not see you, per- 
haps, alone again before your flitting. Your friend in 
New York, Miss Benton — her wedding takes place soon?” 

“Yes; then I hope to start with Kitty Egerton for the 
Washington trip.” 

He held out his hand. Alison let her fingers rest tran- 
quilly in it for a moment. Pie had reached the door when 
suddenly he turned, looked at her, and in the next instant 
was at her side, his arms enfolded her slender young form 
in a close embrace, his lips sought hers for a brief 
moment, — the first lover’s kiss that had ever rested on their 
unsullied youth, — and a moment later Alison was alone. 


CHAPTER LII. 


Agnes Leigh was slowly pacing the great hall of 
Braune House the same afternoon, listening for every sound 
of wheels on the drive, as Jack had telegraphed over when 
he and Alison might be expected. “The news,” as Ali- 
son’s heiress-ship was considered, had already gone the 
rounds, each gentleman, of course, at the conference carry- 
ing home a budget, and Mr. Robbins, in his most trium- 
phant mood, was to spend the next morning with the 
Braune House party. 

But Agnes’ impatience to welcome Alison was a purely 
personal one; true, she did most heartily rejoice in her 
friend and favorite’s good fortune, but it was only an acci- 
dental circumstance; the root of their friendship lay too 
deep to have it affected by externals; and, as Agnes slowly 
walked up and down the beautiful hall of her old home, 
the firelight playing on her dark brown velvet draperies, 
her daintily poised head, her proud, sweet young face, she 
smiled to think how happy Alison would be to find her 
home as it was, its tranquillity so assured. 

For Jack, whatever the brief spell of forgetfulness of 
his duty or happiness had wrought, was certainly all that 
Agnes could expect or hope for now, as eager to please, 
interest, and occupy her with himself as he had ever been, 
to so fill up her time that she should not miss him or look 
for his coming. A very persistent “home bird” he would 
never be, but his flittings now could never distress her. 
She was no woman to tie any man to her apron-strings. 

341 


342 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


Rather she enjoyed his going out into his own world, 
since it brought him back all the readier to appreciate and 
care for home; and the business anxieties had. been shared 
together, Agnes’ counsels proving her well worthy of 
being something more than a silent partner in the sterner 
side of his life. 

“Strange,” Jack had thought more than once that win- 
ter, as he plodded home on his gray mare after a sharp 
run out in the country, “how much a man can discover 
in his own wife’s society if he only sets about it!” And 
some decidedly unflattering reminiscences of the fair 
Tasia’s efforts a year ago to keep him at her side rose up, 
effaced quickly enough as he thought of the quiet, grace- 
ful, interesting girl waiting for him at home, how she 
would look, what she would say, etc., when he told her 
this or that of the day’s small happenings; and Leigh, who 
was fast establishing a reputation at his club as a very 
hopeless benedict, smiled contentedly, wondering if it took 
other men so long to make companions of the women 
whose young lives they asked for so easily, and pledged 
themselves to honor with such careless ease. 

The welcome sounds came at last. Peter, the butler, 
was prompt in flinging open the door, and the next instant 
Alison was clasped warmly in her friend’s embrace. 

“I say, Aggie!” from Jack, wdio was rubbing his hands 
briskly before the splendid fire. “Do shout at those 
people or something to hurry up dinner. I’m literally 
famished, and so is Alison, I’m sure. There’s a good 
soul! You’ve all the time there is to talk afterward.” 

And Alison could not but smile with pleasure at the 
very tone of Jack’s voice, the way in which Agnes made 
haste to do his bidding— if not exactly to “shout” at the 
kitchen department, at least to despatch urgent orders; 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


343 


and then Alison was once more in her old room, where 
Agnes held her at arm’s-length, examining her critically, 
smilingly, and in silence. 

“Well,” she said at last, “you’re not looking quite up 
to the mark physically, but then — what an experience! 
And to think how sly a young dame you were all the time ! 
We ought to punish you severely.” 

“What!” exclaimed Alison, “for seeing with my own 
eyes, hearing with my own ears! Come now, Agnes! I 
count on you for a tremendous deal of support, for I have 
a little hard time ahead of me, I assure you.” 

“Humph ! How? Why, you’ll have the world at your 
feet! What between this romantic story and your money 
and your not being some raw, untamed specimen to start 

with My dear, I foresee nothing but one prolonged 

dazzle and applause wherever you go.” 

“Like the Banbury Cross lady, I suppose,” exclaimed 
Alison. “Well, rings on my fingers and bells on my toes 
are not my idea of a good time, I assure you ! I suppose, 
however, one’s bringing up is something to be grateful 
for, and it always makes my thoughts of poor Mrs. Gilder- 
sleeve kindly. But for her I don’t doubt you’d have a 
very distressing person to deal with.” 

“ H’m-m — I don’t know. Alison, I fancy you’d be, and 
will be, yourself, come what may. Well, I suppose every- 
one was properly surprised and congratulatory and all 
that? You know Jack ’ll never give me details. I kept 
thinking of — so many things.” 

There was a brief pause; then, — for it seemed wisest to 
have it said at once, and the ice broken,— Alison took her 
friend’s hands in hers, saying very gently: 

“Agnes, I have seen Gray Gorman, you know; he 
desired me to assure you that he had married little Alice 


344 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


Shelton only to be a good husband to her and to treat 
her well. They have gone out West. A good opening 
offered. All that miserable business never need be known, 
or even referred to again. He is anxious for your good 
wishes on his new life.” 

A flush, painful, but flitting, crossed Agnes’ pale, proud 
face, but when it faded, she was perfectly calm; indeed, 
with but little effort to be so. That she held her hus- 
band’s happiness now, where she had really always held 
his honor, made this episode, if painful, only so in hav- 
ing ever entered or darkened her life. The lesson would 
be a lifelong one. 

“Alison, you have been our good angel on all sides!” 
she exclaimed, looking with tears on her dark lashes 
at her friend. “See! Thank God! not a thought save 
one of pitying kindness is there on my mind for the 
poor fellow ; and I only hope he loill do well by her. Poor 
little girl! She was very young to undertake so much. 
Before you leave I will write to them both, and you shall 
see the letter. O Alison, Alison, think!” added Agnes, 
with a shiver, and clasping her hands closely together — ■ 
“ think what an escape! Though I meant only to frighten 
Jack! My whole life might have been blighted, would 
have been, but ” 

“For your seeking the right help, dear Agnes,” said 
Alison quickly. “And now it is all over long, long ago! 
You must never think of it again. You have only God 
to thank and Jack’s interest to care for. And, O Agnes, 
rejoice in it all, dear! Above all, that you love him!” 

“Ah!” sighed the young wife, while a look of deep con- 
tent came into her face. “ There is the most potent charm 
a wife can use, or vice versa. Divine alchemy, Alison! 
How it turns our coldest iron into gold!” 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


345 


And if Alison said nothing in words, it was not because 
an echo of the sentiment was lacking. 

Jack, while he carved the well-cooked, savory turkey at 
dinner a little later, was quite ready to talk enough even 
to meet his wife’s demands, and while they lingered over 
dessert, he was really quite eloquent; the whole affair, he 
declared, from first to last was worth recording. “And 
as for Broderick! Well, Agnes,” he summed up, “you’re 
no girl of mine if you don’t have him over here right 
away and treat him like a prince.” 

“Oh, I don’t doubt he’ll come fast enough,” said Agnes 
demurely, “if it’s only to see that we are taking good 
care of the new lady of the mills. I fancy, Alison, he 
thinks you capable of anything startling now.” 

“No doubt,” assented Alison. “1 shouldn’t like,” she 
added, “to have to be a working partner in the mills with 
this — hero of yours; he is — must be terribly exacting.” 

“And no soft, easy-going man would ever control you, 
my young lady,” declared Agnes. “Come, let us have 
some music,” she said, rising, with the quick power of 
transition in impulse and action which was her leading 
characteristic, and quite her most attractive quality to the 
pleasure-loving Jack. “Alison, I wonder if you have for- 
gotten the last time, to quote Mr. Ogdenthorpe, we ‘made 
music’ here.” 

“Can I ever forget it?” exclaimed Alison, as she fol- 
lowed her hostess into the great hall. “Ah, what a potent 
spell it is ! Agnes, you must not forget your own scheme 
for a music school. There!” she added, flashing a sunny 
look upon Jack, who was following and preparing to make 
himself comfortable with old Marco as usual at his feet. 
“You see, I am laying plans already. Yes, we shall have 
our school, Agnes and I, and a Leigh medal yearly!” 


346 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


“I think I can see Jack bestowing it on some blushing 
young creature who has just gone through ’s exer- 

cises at the risk of her lung power,” said Agnes. “And 
the neat little address he will make! As he did over on 
the Fair grounds ! Oh, you missed that rare treat, Alison. 
He actually made a speech from the judges’ stand — all 
about horses and agriculture and the silver dollar and I 
don’t know what all; I almost had hopes for next year in 
congress.” 

“Are you going to sing or not — you two?” enquired 
Jack, trying not to smile, but, as Agnes, in passing him to 
reach the music stand, rested her hand lightly an instant 
on his shoulder, he turned his head, bestowing a light kiss 
on her soft fingers, and saying good-humoredly: 

“Sing ‘Ah, non guinge,’ Agnes; it’s a longtime since 
you condescended to mere opera.” 

“I had meant to forswear it,” said Agnes, going back to 
the piano. “But it’s such a privilege for you to show a 
preference, my dear boy, I’d sing anything you asked 
for. ” 

And very soon the clear, pure notes of her nearly per- 
fect voice in the “Sonnambula’s” aria floated out, Alison 
accompanying her with the genuine pleasure it always 
gave her to be part of such music; for as Agnes’ singing 
was truly that of the artiste , so was her companion’s keen 
appreciation and enjoyment; and the master of the house, 
by no means the unappreciative listener his silence or 
apparent abstraction would make it seem, determined 
Agnes, poor child, should have the enjoyment her musical 
nature craved. It was not a bad idea, this of the music- 
school, and what a little trump Alison was turning out to 
be ! 

It w r as to Alison, as well as her hostess, a most amusing 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


347 


and home-like evening. As before, the influences of the 
fine old bouse “fitted” her to perfection; the "wheels of 
life moving softly pleased her thoroughly, and when she 
once more found herself tete-d-tete with Agnes in her 
dainty, luxurious dressing-room, it was only natural to 
mention those w T ho had formed the subject of their dis- 
course here once before, and in telling Agnes of the Har- 
rimans, the plan for co-operative housekeeping which had 
been made, Tasia Mordaunt’s name of course w r as men- 
tioned; indeed, both Agnes and Alison w^ere anxious to 
have the old subject renewed — and dismissed. 

“ 1 never see her,” said Agnes carelessly. “ She is going 
abroad, I believe; it is reported for an indefinite period. 
I think, dear Alison,” added Jack’s wife, with a smile, flit- 
ting, but quite contented in its meaning, “that chapter is 
closed forever ! Ah, there is nothing, after, all like treach- 
ery to disgust any man. Such, — what shall I call them? — 
unhallowed fancies cannot live. They are never aught 
but Dead Sea fruit. Once tasted they wither, die of them- 
selves.” She hesitated a moment, then w r ent on: “Dear 
little Bessie! How glad I am you found her! She 
deserves all her good fortune. You must tell her so from 
me, and that I hope she thinks of me as I am, really her 
friend. Poor Grandmamma Willets! I wonder whether 
she can see the result of all her anxious plots and plans 
now? Heigh-ho! Alison, I believe you and I could talk 
forever; but I must, as Jack says, let you off easily to- 
night. Go, dearest; get some ‘beauty sleep.’ Yon must 
coax back the roses into those pale little cheeks of yours 
for to-morrow. And your man of business, Mr. Robbins, 
will be here.” 


CHAPTER LI1I. 


Alison opened her eyes one morning on the delicate 
luxuries with which she was surrounded, remembering in 
the next instant what had brought her here, and who was 
coming. 

She made her toilet quickly, yet may be forgiven for 
lingering a trifle longer than was her wont over the 
arrangement of her simple costume of light brown wool 
relieved by trimmings of darker velvet. There would be 
a “red, red rose” to be had in the conservatory, which 
reflection set her to humming the dear old ballad, and as 
she turned the bend in the staircase to the tune of “ Tho’ 
a’ the seas gang dry, my love, and the rocks melt in the 
sun,” Jack looked up from his usual morning place at the 
fireside to enquire whether she had ever analyzed that very 
captivating song; he quite admitted its fascination as a 
bit of rhyme, dainty sentiment, and most “catchy music,” 
but 

“You see,” he observed, as Alison drew near, “it’s the 
easiest thing on earth to declare you’ll be true and come 
again even if rocks melt and seas run dry. Now, he ought 
to have said, my dear, I come to you even if I lose one 
boat or two, and the bank has burst. What is left of me 
is at your disposal'. See? I’ve often thought it wouldn’t 
be a bad idea to write little companion pieces to those 
highly glazed ballads we’re brought up on.” 

“Jack, you goose!” said Agnes, appearing from the 
den door. “Alison, do you understand him yet?” 

348 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


349 


“So far,” slie admitted. “But really a little label on 
most people now and then wouldn’t do any harm.” 

“Thinking of the conference ahead, eh? Oh, sail right 
in,” declared Jack. “Robbins is ready to back you as the 
winning card anywhere. Now, then,” — with an absurdly 
appealing glance at Agnes, — “must I again use brute 
force with the breakfast dishes?” 

But the majestic butler saved any such catastrophe by 
announcing at that moment that the morning meal was 
ready, and it was Jack himself who kept them waiting, 
returning with two “red, red roses” and dark leaves which 
he proceeded to lay by Alison’s plate, giving a bit of deli- 
cate stephanotis and fern to his wife. 

“One for you and one for — Mr. Robbins,” said Jack, 
with a nod at the roses. “Is he fond of flowers, I wonder? 
Jove, Agnes, I never saw such a wide-awake little man! 
What he doesn’t see need bother no one! Well, wrnll, 
Maid of the Mill, go ahead and prosper! I’m profoundly 
glad, however, you can’t swoop down on all the board of 
managers and be giving the place away at Christmas in 
buns and blankets and tons of coal.” 

« Possibly Alison can eat another piece of that broiled 
ham,” suggested Agnes; but Alison declared she had 
breakfasted very well, and urged Jack on to more nonsense 
by relating how a certain old gentleman had told her once 
that all the operatives in a factory he knew about had to 
sing at their work hymns of his composition. 

“You might compose an operetta or tw T o,” Jack sug- 
gested, “to be given while the machines are worked. Oh, 
I don’t doubt the place will yet lure a New York reporter 
into our midst. Indeed, I thought from certain questions 
put me at the club yesterday he was here. But that honor 
still awaits us. Hello, Marco! Bow to Miss Fane, you 


350 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


rascal. Wait till she gets going and brings her smallest 
pug or skye over to visit you!” 

Alison would not for a great deal have foregone the 
pleasure of seeing her friends at Braune House as she 
found them now, and it was no task to accompany Jack 
into his own den on this occasion and talk over certain 
plans he had been forming for the winter. “You must 
come back to us,” he said with genuine sincerity, “after 
the Washington wings are tried a little; you must come 
here for a happy, quiet little visit.” And then the talk 
became of business matters only, Jack’s keen good-sense 
as apparent now as the light-hearted buffoonery of an hour 
ago; and Alison could not help remembering what Agnes 
had said the night before: that to keep him in leading- 
strings might be foolish and impossible, but there was no 
doubt that now he found his happiness in his home. 

Alison and Agnes were in the hall when the visitors 
arrived. If she drew back a little until she could accus- 
tom herself to the sound of Broderick’s voice, the sight of 
his face and figure here among friends who at best could 
only suspect their peculiar relationship, no one appeared 
to notice it in the general confusion of voices, and pres- 
ently she found that contumacious master workman at 
her side forcing her to withdraw slightly from the others, 
while, although he only said “Well?” his eyes and 
voice expressed much more. 

“It is delightful to be here,” said Alison rather tamely. 
“I sink easily, you remember, into such grooves.” She 
looked at him with a tremble in her eyes. 

“Oh, yes! I don’t doubt you’ll find them well adjusted 
in Washington. IIow happy your little friend Robbins 
looks! Ho you see what he is up to?” he added, lower- 
ing his voice, and indicating the busy and delighted legal 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


351 


gentleman, who was sauntering about, mentally apprais- 
ing everything in the fine old hall, a little touch of his 
finger here, a quick mental calculation there, making the 
whole matter appear as dollars aud cents to him. “ There’s 
a business mind for you, Alison.” Her name on his lips 
came yet with a delicious sense of possession and set the 
girl’s pulses to a happier measure. 

“Well, all to our own kind!” said Alison lightly. “I 
enjoy so much,” she added, “seeing how happy Jack and 
Agnes seem to be.” 

“Yes,” said Broderick slowly. “The cloud has lifted. 
God grant it is forever.” 

“Now, then,” said the alert Robbins suddenly, “I 
believe we’re — ahem — to have a little business talk in the 
library.” And with every possible politeness he glanced 
at his host, then at the ladies, and, as Mr. Leigh some- 
what informally led the way, the others, talking and laugh- 
ing pleasantly, followed. 

All was at last settled — this informal discussion of affairs 
in which, if Alison was the prime object, she was by no 
means the only interested party; and when certain arrange- 
ments were discussed, her special and immediate require- 
ments considered, it was found that, commonplace as Mr. 
Robbins might be in some ways, where such matters were 
concerned he was all that the most exacting business man 
or woman could require, and at last Alison thoroughly 
understood and accepted her position. 

“Gorman’s” with all it involved was hers, “properties” 
of different value elsewhere, a considerable — to her eyes 
inexhaustible— fund was already at the banker’s ready for 
her “sign and seal” to be placed wholly at her disposal. 
Whatever she had been a year ago, would be in the future, 
she stood among them then with the reins of what was 


352 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


really wealth in her young hands, and almost her first 
question was “how soon she could see, or have seen, 
people like the Marks family.” 

“There she goes!” whispered Robbins to the highly 
amused Agnes, as they moved away. “Oh, how thankful 
I am she has such shrewd executors to satisfy. Think of 
what she’d do if we gave her her head!” 

“And what next?” Broderick said in a quietly amused 
tone. 

“Next?” said Alison, rousing herself from a brief 
abstraction. “Well, I think I’d like to go over to Bend 
Lane for a little while, and perhaps talk things over with 
Miss Ilomer, and then New York once more for Hilda’s 
wedding.” 

“And what,” he went on, “shall you do with the paper 
Mr. Robbins says Gray Gorman gave you?” 

“That is what will take me back to Exeford. I don’t 
want to hurt his family, that is, his mother and sisters; 
they must have suffered enough. But his marriage must 
be made known at once> and the men, the work-people 
accused, set right.” 

Broderick looked down upon her with a gleam of fun in 
his handsome eyes. 

“ I wonder,” he said gravely, “ if you will think, — as your 
foreman, you know, — I need putting in my place, if I tell 
you that part of the business has been settled. I have 
seen them all, — you are a great heroine over there, — and 
every one discharged to suit Gorman’s purpose is back 
again, with a promise that lost time shall be counted in 
this week’s wages.” 

“You, the stern master of Gorman’s, actually have done 
all this? Well, I have some hope for you! The future 
is not quite the dark weight it has been on my mind! 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


353 


Poor little Jenny Marks! I shall be so proud to see her 
now.” 

And as Alison moved away, not caring to make their 
tete-d-tete seem prolonged, Broderick rested his arm on the 
mantel and looked at her with a smile of profound satis- 
faction. 

“She was right, after all, poor Mrs. Broderick!” he 
reflected. “There is no question that between us we did 
the best to bring out the real metal, the real grit, in her, 
and now Washington, and her reputation as a beauty and 
an heiress, may do the rest.” 


23 


CHAPTER LIY. 


“Theke aint a better cold-weather supper going,” 
observed Mrs. Norton, giving her cap-strings an effectual 
tie-back, “than sausage and mashed potatoes when they’re 
done right. I guess Miss Fane ’ll make a nice, hearty meal 
to-night. Now, hurry up, girls; she’s sure to be in soon.” 

And a cheerful clatter of plates, knives and forks, etc., 
announced the setting forth of a supper which would be a 
cheerful, home-like welcome to the distinguished guest. 

For, in spite of Mr. Winstane’s suggestion that she 
should go to some hotel with old Janet, Alison was reso- 
lute in returning to her first friends, the Nortons, and, as 
news of her good fortune had flown on those ready unseen 
wings which carry so much news about, it may well be 
imagined that the reception awaiting her was indeed as 
to one who, as had been suggested, was a heroine of 
romance, and fully justified Mrs. Norton in her repeated 
“Didn’t I tell you so’s?” or “What else did you expect? ” 
while, as the redoubtable Mr. Rokesmith, to say nothing 
of the two Messrs. Robbins, John, Sr. and Jr., were 
expected, it may easily be imagined that the household in 
Benton Place was in an agreeable flutter. 

The parlor floor front and rear had been made ready. 
Hilda’s room upstairs was waiting for Alison’s first re- 
ception, and Hilda herself, wonderfully bright, had with 
dainty touches arranged the cut flowers Dr. Holton had 
indulged in for this occasion, and was eagerly looking for- 
ward to a long talk even that night with Alison about the 

354 


ALISON ’S AD VENTURES. 


355 


altogether wonderful preparations set going for the co- 
operative housekeeping in Mordick Street. They were 
to go over there early the next day. 

“There they are!” called Connor in a stentorian voice 
from his mother’s room, where he was putting the last 
touches to his own toilet, and in a moment the cab wheels 
at the door drew up, a very distinguished-looking young 
gentleman handed out Alison and Janet Holdsworthy, 
bowing himself away, while the eagerly looked for guests 
found the front door flung widely open and the family in 
various degrees of haste flocking to meet them. 

Everj'body had. so much to say at once that the even- 
ing meal was, in spite of all efforts at order, the scene of 
considerable excitement, and Alison hardly knew what was 
going on ; but at last there was comparative quiet. Mrs. 
Norton had followed Alison up to the parlor, and while 
our heroine w’as making a little alteration in her dress for 
the evening, the “great piece of news” was told. 

“You see, my dear,” said Mrs. Norton, sitting dowm in 
the deep rocker and smoothing out her apron compla- 
cently, “as it’s all due to you, you should have known it 
first and foremost, only that you were coming back so 
soon, and, after all, it was rather sudden. Well, you see, 
Molly and Billy Rokesmith are to be married on the 
20th, so as to let ’em start right away out West. 
And then there’s Miss Benton and the doctor. Now, if 
you please, what do they all do but talk me into having 
a double wedding! My Molly and Billy Rokesmith, and 
Miss Hilda and the doctor. No fuss and feathers! Just 
a quiet little time. And I believe there’s money in that 
idea of the old Mordick Street house. Anyway, it’s 
wonderful how it’s being gotten on with already.” 

“ Enchanting !” exclaimed Alison. “ Well, you see, Mrs. 


356 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


Norton, just as well for you to get these young birds of 
yours settled, for I mean to claim you for a visit to my 
new home in Washington.” 

“Now, there — stop!” exclaimed Mrs. Norton, not know- 
ing whether to laugh or cry. “I declare, if you aren’t the 
greatest girl! Guess you’d better open a hotel right off!” 

But Alison persisted, and at last Mrs. Norton did allow 
herself the luxury of a “little cry” all “by themselves.” 
“You see, my dear,” she explained to her young friend, 
“so many changes! And I shall just be too proud and 
happy to visit you! I know it’s heart meant, for I’ve 
nothing to go to Washington for — else ” 

And then, certain domestic matters calling her hostess 
away, Alison sat down in the window of the quiet room 
for a few moments’ reflection. Back here once again, 
after such a varied, anxious, wonderful experience! With 
all that wealth could buy, all that the deep assurance of a 
tried and proven love like Broderick’s could give ! And 
if my little heroine indulged in that moment in some 
reflections too purely sentimental to bear recording, who 
can say but that, in these first hours of her prosperity, 
they w T ere not wholly to her credit? for she thrilled at the 
remembrance, rejoiced that Broderick must know it: that 
she had given him her heart, as he his to her keeping, when 
they seemed only two units in the “working classes”; and 
her sympathy with Molly starting away for the West with 
her young husband was based on the knowledge that w 7 ere 
she and Broderick to stand thus hand in hand, with the 
world, their fortune, ahead of them, they would be as joy- 
ously sure of themselves as they could be this night, when 
her wealth seemed only a barrier to their happiness, in that 
it held them apart. But Alison reflected that the Brod- 
erick money, — used as she was using, and hoped still 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


357 


further to use it, set the streams of life going very happily 
for too many people for her to pretend to despise it, and 
even now Hilda, coming in with a radiant look on her 
sweet face, added emphasis to such feelings, and the way 
in which she bent down to kiss her softly was better than 
words. Her money might make her sought for as a desir- 
able member of a gay world, but it had not purchased 
these friends, and that it should be used to their advantage 
was, thought Alison, chief evidence of its power, its 
higher meaning, which, as Broderick had once told her, 
the “meanest bit of ore ever coined has in its seal and 
sign.” 

All elements combined to make the evening hilarious 
and successful. The joyousness, the fun, the gay good- 
humor, were all so genuine. When the Harrimans arrived, 
Bessie made a little rush for Alison, taking her off into a 
corner, to make her laugh heartily over the condition of 
things at home, where they were already preparing to 
move. 

“For, you see, my dear,” she said, holding Alison by 
both arms, as though she might be spirited away, “as 
nearly everything except the floor we walk on is an inven- 
tion, why, things are turning into something else all the 
time and getting stuck when we try to pack them. Poor 
Dick! I wish ‘you could have seen his face this afternoon 
when the baby got caught in the ottoman just as it was 
turning into a bookcase! I thought my offspring’s back 
was broken, and nearly killed him at first; but when I had 
baby all safe and sound, I made him furious by laughing. 
I vow I’ll not undertake to unpack the things! Oh, but 
you will be down there to-morrow, won’t you? Things 
are looking finely. Dick says it ’ll be no time before it’s 
ready for use, but 1 live in mortal terror of his discovering 


358 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


some invention to make the kalsomine play the piano! 
Why on earth he can’t let a thing do what it’s meant for, 
once in a while, I can’t see. I asked him to-day whether 
he intended to train the baby into being several things or 
in different places at once. And what do you suppose 
that terrible creature answered? He was already working 
on a system of signals for that poor unfortunate child to 
be taught before it can speak! and how she was to pull 
them.” 

“And what did you say?” exclaimed Alison, laughing 
heartily. 

“Say!” declared Bessie with an almost tragic expres- 
sion. “You’d better believe I said! I told him he could 
go risking all our lives with the furniture and the four 
Avails of the house even if he saw fit, but when it came to 
patenting the baby, no, indeed! I’d send my poor little 
child to the orphan asylum first; better that than the home 
for idiots or incurables!” 

And at this point Dick Harriman, looking perfectly con- 
tented, handsome, and kindly, came up, laying one of his 
big hands on his wife’s shoulder as he said, smiling upon 
them both : 

“Looks first-rate, doesn’t she, Miss Fane? And — oh, 
we’re all to inspect the new quarters to-morroAV. By the 
way, you left it to me, so I told the people to just call the 
building The Broderick; how’s that?” 

And no one understood, of course, why Alison looked at 
first dismayed, and then laughed gayly; but Avhen, before 
she could think of sleeping, she wrote a few lines to a very 
impatient young man in Exeford, she mentioned this fact 
in telling something of the evening. 

“So, you see, your name is destined to appear in connec- 
tion Avith my efforts, be they great or small,” wrote Alison. 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


359 


“Therefore look to it that you keep up its fine reputation. 
It amuses me more than a little to see you cropping out in 
this way in spite of yourself when you have been such an 
outrageous democrat so long, and no one,” she added, well 
aware it would torment him, “will believe for a moment 
you don’t really rather like it. I shall not try to defend 
you. Have you the little ‘talisman,’ I wonder, within 
sight? I have not told you yet all it means.” 

And, had she but known it, the new manager of “Brod- 
erick’s” was at that moment looking at the watch-chain 
where he had firmly riveted her first gift, — a curiously 
wrought silver charm, combining a cross and an anchor, — 
and was thinking of many things the little emblem sug- 
gested, not least of which was how hard he would try to 
keep one part of it in life from the brave girl that he loved ; 
and for the rest anchorage need only mean a peaceful, if 
tedious, place of waiting, since he knew that the real, 
fuller, deeper joys lay in God’s keeping, perhaps only to 
be guessed at until the “day dawned and the last clouds 
were rolled away.” 


CHAPTER LV. 


Alison could hardly believe she was really in the old 
Mordick Street house where her grandmother’s dreary life 
had been spent when, the next day, she stood, one of a 
merry, happy party, examining the work of alteration so 
far as it had gone; but there was no question but that it 
was money well spent, whether judged from a purely busi- 
ness or a philanthropic point of view, as the building now 
seemed not only habitable and home-like, but had a prosper- 
ous, cheerful air, which Alison declared “invited people to 
come and live happily in it.” The first floor, with its once 
cumbrously furnished parlor and sombre dining-room, was 
being rapidly turned into a most approved modern flat, 
and in the great room in which Alison had once dressed and 
slept, the workmen were now busy, papering with a pretty 
blue and white pattern on a glossy white ground, trans- 
forming it into the parlor of flat number two, while the 
garden where she had gathered Broderick’s “breakfast 
bouquet” was now the scene of much confusion in the way 
of rubbish, paint-pots, etc., all proclaiming that hum- 
drum yet ever newly significant tale that we are “off with 
the old and on with the new,” whether it be in our abodes, 
our toilets, or our feelings. 

“Poor old place!” thought Alison, as she nodded her 
head to the forlorn-looking garden. “Well, you’ve had 
your day! God send prosperity with the new bricks and 
mortar.” And then Alison went back, to find her com- 
panions in ecstasies over the kitchen cupboards and home- 
like conveniences. 

3C0 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


361 


“ Tra-la-la-la ! Tra-la-la-la !” sang Alison, to the music 
of the wedding inarch. “I declare, girls, it makes one 
feel quite like setting up housekeeping one’s self, with a 
tabby cat and Janet Holdsworthy,” and the “Oh, Miss 
Fane!” from the brides-elect was "very expressive, and 
Hilda declared she expected to hear more “news than non- 
sense” from the Washington visit. The question of fur- 
nishing Alison had decided to take in hand herself, this 
being, as she had made clear, her wedding present to the 
“ noiiveciux maries ,” but they were to select everything 
themselves, and I question whether in all Gotham a hap- 
pier party were ever assembled than that which on the 
19th of the month met to go through The Broderick, with 
its two floors in complete order for the families expected 
on the morrow, when Dr. Holton’s sign would swing from 
the window of a specially devised office, and where he and 
Hilda after a brief trip would settle down, as their fair 
landlady observed, “to kill or cure the neighborhood.” 

Mrs. Robbins’ opinion was found most valuable on the 
points of etiquette, etc., for the simple home-like festivi- 
ties, and the two families were brought into contact in such 
a friendly fashion that what wonder “Mr. John, Jr.,” as 
he came to be called, spent a great deal of time in Benton 
Place. Hilda’s nervous dread lest she was burdening her 
young husband with an invalid wife slowly gave way 
under his frequent reassurances, and the fact, patent to 
all, that she had grown stronger every day: and, moreover, 
with the new co-operative plan there would be no burden 
of housekeeping, since she and the doctor were to be the 
Harrimans’ boarders. 

And in this fashion the days sped along, their activity 
all cheerful and hopeful speaking of new beginnings in 
the young lives curiously dear to and bound up with our 


362 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


heroine’s, and finally the “last” day had come, and the 
pleasurable, though at times tearful, excitement of the 
Benton Place household had reached its culminating 
point. 

Alison was tired enough to be glad to go early to her 
room, but the little talk in the darkness with Hilda w r as 
restful and comforting, something they both long remem- 
bered, for they had quietly, reverently, gone over together 
the marriage service to be read on the morrow. Hilda, keen 
as was her dear friend in appreciating its simple, lofty 
beauty of word and meaning, knelt at Alison’s side, her 
arm about her waist, her head on her shoulder, as they 
said aloud the impressive, eloquent words, pondering over 
each phrase, the “ till death do us part ” affecting both 
alike. Alison was thinking of some of the curious scenes 
she had gone through of late, of some households where 
the meaning of the sacred, solemn ceremony had so long 
lost its first intention, and Hilda was wondering, hoping, 
praying, that the death once so near, so happily averted, 
might w r ait the eternal bidding for a time long enough for 
her to prove w r hat she wished, hoped, and meant to be: 
her husband’s helpmeet, never his hindrance. 

Molly, with a pair of very red eyes, owing to the last 
“mother talk” upstairs, looked in on her way to bed to 
ask Alison to be sure and have the letter she wanted 
Billy to take out West ready for them in the morning, 
and Alison found in her sentimental communings she had 
almost forgotten the letter to the Gray Gormans which 
Mr. and Mrs. Rokesmith had agreed to carry to the 
Windy City, whence they were to write back a full 
account of the Gorman menage , Molly being privately 
instructed to find out just how they (little Alice and her 
husband) were situated, and to try hard to be a friend to 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


363 


the poor young creature, who Alison feared must by this 
time be spending many a lonely hour. 

And at last the all-important day had come and gone, — • 
the quiet double ceremony, the pleasant, if a bit tearful, 
home celeb ration, — and when the Rokesmiths had driven 
away to the train which was to take them West, Dr. Hol- 
ton and Hilda in the most sensible fashion just drove down 
to Mordick Street, where the Harrimans had, almost by 
magic, set their house in order, and where old Janet, who 
was beginning to be everybody’s friend, had been assisting 
all day, and received the young couple with a motherly 
welcome. Hilda was decidedly not strong enough to bear 
the excitement of any wedding journey, and the home- 
coming was certainly novelty enough. 

Alison felt curiously alone for a little while after the 
various guests had dispersed, and, discovering Mrs. Norton 
in the kitchen “enjoying” a good cry, she allowed herself 
a “little weep,” as Connor called it, for company’s sake; 
and then they both laughed at the idea of making it a 
“crying” business, and Mrs. Norton said it was about 
time they “straightened up” a little, at which work Alison 
assisted precisely as though housework was her favorite 
avocation, until Mrs. Norton, suddenly realizing what was 
going on, exclaimed in her downright fashion: “Well, 
Miss Alison, I guess you needn’t to work like that just yet 
awhile”; and then, the rooms being quite orderly enough, 
they sat down for a little homely talk, and Mrs. Norton 
unfolded various of her anxieties, aspirations, and ideas to 
the young girl, who certainly had, both with young and 
old, a curious faculty of sympathetic assimilation which 
made it profitable to talk with her in any moment of 
doubt, anxiety, or fresh impetus. “ Why, I’d never dream 
of saying all this even to Connor,” said Mrs. Norton 


364 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


finally. “I declare, my dear, for all that little young face 
of yours, you’ve the mind and judgment of a woman of 
forty.” 

Alison smiled. “It’s easy thinking for other people,” 
she said gently. “Heigh-ho! Mrs. Norton,” she added, 
as they were mounting the stairs after locking up all 
around, “I wish I had a very wise person to think some 
things for me.” 

“Never you fret!” observed Mrs. Norton. “I guess 
there’s one or two ready enough and waiting ; only make 
up your own mind, my dear — don’t let others do it for you. 
And I guess, if the truth were known, it’s what you have 
done,” the good woman added. 

Under no circumstances would Mrs. Norton on such a 
“lonelified night,” as she called it, leave her young guest 
and friend downstairs alone, and so, like a child of her 
own, Alison slept in the little room adjoining hers where 
Molly had for years kept her mother company, and, as 
Mrs. Norton with her independent phraseology remarked, 
it took the “edge of the emptiness” out of the house not 
having her eldest girl’s little corner vacant, and long after 
the lights were out and not a sound to be heard elsewhere 
the two conversed through the open door, deciding finally 
that there must be nothing allowed to interfere with Mrs. 
Norton’s realizing her long-cherished dream of “seeing 
Congress.” 


CHAPTER LVI. 


Midnight liad just pealed from the belfry of some 
neighboring church, and been echoed in silvery accents 
by the fanciful pendule of gilt and Dresden on the mantel 
of the library or book-room in Alison’s Washington abode. 
The house was in absolute silence; the hour a rare one of 
solitude and quiet, happy occupation for our heroine, who, 
on the plea of a “headache and letters to write,” had 
remained at home this evening while her friends and 
guests had departed, an indefatigable company, for a 

special reception at the house of the member from F , 

an influential, cultivated, far-seeing sort of man, who 
rejoiced in abundant means to entertain well, and when he 
liked, exclusively, in the great city, and a married daugh- 
ter who did the honors of the palatial house in a way all 
who were the recipients liked to remember. 

Kate Egerton, Alison’s pet guest just at present, had 
gazed in astonishment when her hostess had “cried off ” 
for this occasion, and the Winstane girls had vainly pleaded 
with her not to miss what w T ould certainly be the “event 
of the season,” but Alison had declared she had been 
“ doing ” society at such a breakneck pace of late that a 
quiet evening had come to be her idea of real enjoyment, 
and so the others had set out, and Alison had fulfilled her 
own engagement with herself; had spent a delightful 
thinking, planning evening, going over some of Brod- 
erick’s last letters, writing a few lines to him herself, 
thinking a little of her most recent temptation to quit the 

305 


366 


ALISON'S ADVENTUBES. 


state of single blessedness. A man of position enough to 
ensure her future as a social queen, of good enough per- 
sonal qualities and connections to save her from the misery 
of unfitting companionship, and of intellectual powers 
sufficient to make him to her the most interesting member 
of her special set — if the term holds good in Washington, 
where every circle rounds into another — had seen fit only 
that very day to write, appointing the next morning for 
his answer; and Alison, as she gazed down into the fire 
before her, in the solitude of the luxurious little room, 
the world beyond reaching her in sounds of carriage- 
wheels coming and going, on the main business of social 
life without, knew that it was indeed the supreme test of 
her probation. 

For it was wholly unlikely that another offer in the 
great social world, so entirely congenial and satisfactory, 
would be again laid at her feet. Looking back, she could 
not accuse herself of one instant’s encouragement of any 
such intention on the part of the dozens of men, young and 
old, whom she was meeting constantly ; rather had she 
obtained the reputation of either the most exigeante belle 
in Washington, or the most finished coquette, since — appar- 
ently,' and in most cases, really enjoying everything about 
her, ready to talk with a grave and reverend signior, a 
fledgling among the “diplomatic corps,” a schoolboy in 
Congress, a busy politician or a man well known and estab- 
lished, like the senator in question — she had given to no 
one the means of saying just where her real preferences 
lay, and the women whom she met had almost invariably 
liked her; a few had made of her a friend in the great 
whirl and mart of feelings, interests, ideas, while her little 
special coterie was voted quite the perfection of what was 
charming, homelike, and refined. 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


367 


Her, to say the least, peculiar visitors had aroused sur- 
prise and interest of an amused kind, until the quiet 
dignity with which Alison did the honors of her own 
home and the sights of the town itself, as well as the way 
in which she piloted them through a few social gather- 
ings, silenced all criticism, and Mrs. Norton had not only 
seen Congress and shaken hands with the President, but, 
in company with young Mr. Robbins and Nora, had spent 
such a week under Alison’s roof as will never be forgotten. 
No attention was neglected; no point of comfort over- 
looked, no amusement unthought of — and the fact that 
others like Kate Egerton and Agnes Leigh could be with 
her, made all things in her peculiar province seem well 
adjusted, and the channels of life and thought and feeling, 
even of purpose, flowed wider and deeper for this winter’s 
experience in a city whose avenues of all kinds certainly 
must always make it the most important and interesting 
centre in the world. 

“Surely*” was Alison’s reflection, as the sound of wheels 
stopping at the door brought her happy reveries to a close, 
“surely, if I choose to be a home bird now, he cannot dare 
to gainsay me.” 

And then, as the door was opened, and with the rush of 
cold air came the sound of voices, Alison heard the words: 
“Very well, in the morning then; give her my love,” and 
presently the portiere of the library was lifted and Kitty 
Egerton, in all her ballroom finery, with softly sparkling 
eyes and something unusually happy in her expression, 
came into the room. 

“So early!” exclaimed Alison, rising and putting away 
her desk and its treasures; “was that Mr. Winstane’s 
voice? Did everyone leave so early?” 

“Oh, yes; that is, I don’t know,” said Kitty, looking at 


368 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


Alison in a curious way. “ Oh, I believe they did; be — 
Mr. Wiri&tane just came to the door with me.” 

As she continued to look rather absent-minded^, or 
with an expression of perplexity, at her hostess, Alison 
observed calmly : 

“May I ask if anything unusual has occurred, my dear? 
You seem to be somewhat — well, confused.” 

Kitty stared another minute, letting her white bur- 
nous slide to the floor, and then said in a very small voice, 
and. without moving her eyes from Alison’s face: 

“Alison, I’m engaged to be married, just about an hour 
ago, to Harry Winstane! Oh, what will mother say!” 

And the next minute Kitty was in Alison’s embrace, 
and as the girls kissed each other in token of mutual 
rejoicing, Kate drew back and looked her friend clearly, 
almost solemnly in the face. 

“Alison,” she said, with a wonderful, sweet gravity her 
mother would have loved to see, “you are a conjurer, but 
the dearest, noblest girl and friend I ever dreamed of 
knowing ! Why is it we are all made happy, and you ” 

And suddenly Kate broke off, a flood of color, a look of 
abject penitence in her whole face. 

“O Alison!” she exclaimed, “think how selfish I am 
to forget the message for you ! Mr. Broderick was there ! 
He only arrived on business, he said, to-night, and met 
Senator Polles at dinner and went on to the party with 
him, expecting you would be there. He had to meet other 
people later, but begged me to tell you to look for him 
very early in the morning.” 

Alison’s face had grown white and pink again while 
Kitty was speaking.* She could fancy Broderick in that 
company; she would have given much to see him among 
those eager, influential, diplomatic men! And now 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


369 


“ You can’t think how well he looks!” pursued Kale. 
“He and Harry Winstane went off together. Heigho, 
Alison !” 

“Yes.” Alison was gazing down with happy eyes into 
the dancing fire. 

“A year ago! Think how different it all is!” She 
came nearer to her friend, stole her arm about Alison’s 
waist, and rested her dark head on the other’s shoulder. 
“And, Alison, I am so happy, and once, you know, dear, I 
thought — well, I thought it was all up with me! Mother 
knew; the night before I came away she told me all about 
herself and father, you know — she thought that only some 
one other person on earth could ever make her a happy 
woman, and — well, I don’t think two people in God’s 
world were ever fitter for each other than they are.” 

“No, indeed, dear!” 

“And mother was so dear and good! You know I pity 
girls that haven’t any such to go to. Why, I couldn’t be 
afraid to talk of anything to mother! I told her every- 
thing that was ever on my mind; and well, I guess she’ll 
be pleased, anyway! Harry has written her already — 
before he spoke — wrote her he meant to do it, and hoped 
for her and father’s blessing, and he’d let her know by 
telegraph what I said.” Kitty laughed. “And so,” she 
went on, “he’s going to send just this despatch: ‘Bill 
passed by a large majority Reps. Virginian and New 
York. Winstane!”’ 


24 


CHAPTER LYII. 


“Yeky early! I wonder,” thought Alison, as she 
moved about her special sitting-room at nine o’clock the 
next morning, putting little extra touches here and there 
to this and that, “what ‘very early’ means nowadays?” 
And five minutes later the servant’s step along the passage 
was heard in answer to the electric bell. Alison stood 
very still in the centre of the beautiful, luxurious room 
as the steps drew near; as the portiere was lifted, the ser- 
vant withdrew, and she raised her eyes to look joyfully, 
eagerly, straight into the depths of Broderick’s own ! 

“Ah! let me look at you,” said Broderick presently, 
and moving back to take in a full impression of her as she 
stood there, her simple morning gown of gray velvet cor- 
duroy, relieved only by a bunch of fresh violets in her belt 
and the dull silver ornaments at her neck. “Ah, Alison! 
it’s been such a long, lonely waiting I shall want royal 
bounty, a king’s recompense now!” 

“So you actually are tired of it?” said Alison, with a 
touch of her old fire, “and my lord now sees fit to say I 
may come home to him! Well ” 

“Can it be very soon?” he said, with a quick, happy 
laugh. “Let me see — I’m ten deep in engagements for 
to-day and to-morrow among a lot of these business men, 
who are interested in my work; in fact,” he smiled, “in 
Broderick & Company. When can you come home — at 
least to Braune House — for a visit? and then I’ll insist on 
my terms!” 


370 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


371 


“When will you be ready?” 

“I? Oh, I’ll rush these people through at once. How 
will Thursday morning — day after to-morrow — suit you?” 

“For a visit, yes. But you know I must come back and 
‘wind up’ here! Remember, I am Dame Chatelaine.” 

“Exactly; but that need not take long. Now — well, I 
must go, I suppose!” He glanced at the clock. “But 
remember, it is to meet you with all arrangements made !” 

But Alison had an unlooked for pleasure to enjoy before 
leaving the busy city. Broderick in his “ten deep” 
engagements met Alison two or three times in the course 
of the day, when she had the infinite satisfaction of seeing 
him made much of and certainly holding his own very 
well on every occasion, and when after the last place of 
accidental meeting he drove home -with her, he had to 
undergo considerable teasing on the score of his social 
success, which he bore, retaliating by declaring once 
he had her safely in the Half House, which could be 
rebuilt, or any home with a big lock to the front door, he 
would pay her off by never going out from his own fireside 
one night in the seven. 

Changes were so much the order of the day in Washing- 
ton that Alison’s rather abrupt departure occasioned only 
regrets at losing her, but slight surprise; and no one of 
the circle was more thoroughly satisfied with what had 
happened than old Janet, who declared the Lord had been 
more than merciful, sparing her to see such a day; and so, 
once more, Alison set her face toward Exeford, this time 
feeling that all things had indeed worked out well and 
wisely; sharing the happiness Kitty Egerton was fairly 
bubbling over with; keeping her own deep down in her 
heart, but shining clearly in her eyes in every glance met 
and answered between Broderick and herself. 


372 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


The Braune House carriage was in waiting. Alison 
was speedily whirled along, with Jack Leigh at her side, 
talking in his best vein about all the different happen- 
ings since they had made their little visit to Washington. 
“And let me tell you, Alison,” he wound up with, as he 
assisted her to alight, “the music school scheme is just 
a howling success! Everybody’s daft over it, and Ogden- 
thorpe’s hair’s nearly a yard long, he’s got so German 
over it !” 

And once more the hospitable doorway was flung open, 
Alison was wrapped in Agnes’ loving embrace, and they 
went away upstairs together for a brief but heart to 
heart talk, Alison letting Agnes be the first to share 
the good news with which she had once more come 
home. 

And before the evening was over, Alison found her 
affairs were very nearly taken quite out of her own hands 
entirely. What? she was asked, delay such a wedding? 
Nonsense! February should leave time enough for all of 
what Jack impertinently called “fal-lal-ling”; declaring if 
he were Broderick he’d marry her in that gray corduroy or 
not at all; for it just suited her — well, dash of diablerie , 
toned it down; and so the happy, friendly talk went on 
and set Alison to wondering if ever bride-elect were or 
could be happier. 

“And you see,” said the effervescent Jack the next 
morning, “I’ve taken the edge off things for you very 
nicely. Down at the club, you know, and around a little, 
I’ve just said carelessly: ‘Heard the last news from Wash- 
ington?’ and then I’ve gone on: ‘Why, Broderick & Com- 
pany’s engaged to Miss Fane, you know; wedding coming 
off very soon, for he’s a deal of Western business to 
attend to.’ ” 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


3 73 


“Jack!” began Agnes, while Alison blushed crimson, 
“ talk of women's gossiping ! Well ! ” 

“ Oh, it was by far the best way; and now, my child,” 
this to Alison, “when he comes over this afternoon don’t 
have any nonsense, but go you straight up to him with 
both hands out, and say you: ‘My lord, one is for Febru- 
ary when the crocuses are out, and one for March when all 
the winds do blow; and which will you take, sir, for the 
happiest day of your — wasted life?’ See?” 

“Why, Jack!” whispered Agnes, laughing softty just 
behind him, and stealing her hand into his, “you’re get- 
ting to be quite a poet! Pray, where did you learn to 
make love so prettily?” 

“Never you mind, young woman,” he answered, but it 
was with his arm about her waist and a little confident 
squeeze that he spoke the light words. “Perhaps I’ve got 
it out of books, perhaps at home.” 

And indeed there was no telling what had come over 
Jack Leigh’s happy and really generous nature; and, as 
might be expected, “between the pair of them,” as Alison 
called Hugh and himself, an opinion all of her own was 
impossible! She was waiting all alone for Broderick an 
hour later in the library, waiting and thinking. How 
wonderfully, strangely, all things in her little world had 
come to pass; bringing her to such a day as this, to such a 
serene and steadfast hope, and means of happiness for the 
future. Best of all was the deep, the stirring conscious- 
ness that such a choice as she and Broderick had made 
came from a foundation of trust and understanding, of 
entire sympathy, soul and heart rest, in and with each 
other, that defied the “slings and arrows” of the world. 
She stood there gazing down into the wood fire, going over 
every little cause and effect in their knowledge of each 


374 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


other; so near him in spirit that it seemed perfectly natural 
to hear his voice suddenly in the doorway, saying: 
“Alison! Here alone!” to turn, meet his glance, his out- 
stretched hands; and perhaps the naturalness and the 
deep feeling that time and tide meant so little to them, 
were the reason that an hour later Jack was rejoiced to 
hear that the day was chosen, and it would be on the 10th 
of March, a birthday anniversary — her mother’s — dear 
to Alison’s motherless young heart. Just at first it was 
cause of considerable discussion that both Alison and 
Broderick elected to have a perfectly quiet, simple little 
wedding, and by and by it transpired that all the wedding 
journey was to be a week or two down in Pendarley woods 
at the Half House, which was already in the workmen’s 
hands under constant supervision from its new owner; for 
Broderick had made the purchase of the place complete, 
and thereby placed a sum at the banker’s which insured 
Miss Homer a comfortable little income for her old age. 


CHAPTER LYIII. 


One clear, sunshiny afternoon in March Miss Homer 
stepped out of the door of the Half House with extreme 
consideration for its new door-sill, upon which, however, 
the coat of dark green paint had thoroughly dried, as it 
had upon all the house, which she now proceeded to survey 
with infinite satisfaction. 

Not a bit of its original character of quaintness and sim- 
plicity had been marred in the alterations it had undergone 
during the past few weeks, but it certainly could lay claim 
now to a more complete title, with its gracefully designed 
wing, in which was a charming L-shaped parlor and library 
combined, a tiny study for its new master, a dining-room 
of modest dimensions, but in excellent woods and colors, 
and cheered by a fine open fireplace, and above, reached by 
a staircase worthy the name, the four commodious rooms, 
one of which, daintily draped in pink-and-gray chintz, 
might indeed, with its delicate woods and well toned w'alls, 
have deserved the name Broderick had given it of his 
“lady’s bower,” and the wide, low windows of this room 
overlooked a splendid stretch of hill-rimmed country, and 
let in the breezes of all the pine-trees about, the coolest 
breath of summer, the softest winds of spring or autumn ; 
and so comfortably was the new home designed that it 
could easily be made warm and cosey on the winter trips 
Alison hoped she and the new master of Broderick & 
Company would often make, as Hugh declared, whenever 
they felt the need of a honeymoon. 


376 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


Miss Homer’s survey complete from that side, she passed 
around to the rear of the house, where in a new kitchen 
Janet Holdsworthy was busy admonishing a young maid- 
of-all-work as to her new duties and her shortcomings; 
and from the spicy, fragrant odors w r hich greeted Miss 
Homer it could well be imagined that a supper worthy the 
old lady’s best skill was in progress. And indeed the 
occasion justified such preparations, since any minute 
Alison and her husband might arrive; the wedding, which 
had been the nine days’ wonderment of Exeford, having 
taken place that morning, quietly and simply enough, with 
but one demonstration — that of a very genuine and sub- 
stantial holiday at the mills; the usual custom of wedding 
gifts, in this case, having been reversed, for a month’s 
earnings “all around” were accredited to each account with 
a request it be accepted as a token of good-will and good 
luck to the new management. 

The two brides — Alison and her friend Kate — had stood 
before the altar together; Kitty and her handsome young 
husband starting away for the South, after the wedding 
breakfast at Braune House, which had been Agnes’ share 
in the general festivity. There had been papers to sign. 
Alison’s hand had trembled a little as she wrote her new 
name, 

“Alison Fane Broderick.” 

If it was happiness, it had something very solemn in it to 
the girl, and the slight pressure of her husband’s hand on 
her arm told that he understood what the swift look she 
gave him meant when she laid down the pen and moved 
back from the table; and then had come the half merry, 
half sad banquet, and “ at last/” as Broderick whispered, 
they were alone together and driving rapidly through the 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES . 


377 


lovely country to their new home, both too conscious of 
their deep content to need or care for speech; but later on 
Broderick, I fancy, could have told you every time Alison 
moved or looked up at him, or just how the sunlight lay 
golden on the hill-tops, and how the thought that they 
were going home together felt like a prayer in his 
heart, like a smile upon his lips. 

And then the clearing came in view. Alison, who 
had not as yet seen the Half House in its altered state, 
uttered a little cry of delight. In the evening sunshine, 
with all the radiance of the soft spring day about it, it 
was of itself a' welcome to a new life, to her first home! 
And as they went together into the quaint, richly colored 
parlor, every touch an evidence of Broderick’s thought of 
her, he smiled, showing her the logs laid ready on the 
hearth, and not until she had struck the match and handed 
it to him did Broderick, kneeling down, set the flame 
cheerily to a blaze, the first hearth fire they had lighted. 

“It’s a real home-coming if ever there was one,” said 
Broderick, with his hands on her shoulders, as he gazed 
down into his wife’s face. “Ah, Alison! I have earned 
my right to you, little girl! Am I too covetous, I won- 
der, now that I have you here at last for my very own ! 
All my lonely, waiting, bachelor miseries vanished into 
thin air. Our watch fires lighted at last, my wife! God 
send them His blessing!” 

And Alison’s eyes and lips together spoke her “Amen.” 

Who could tell or picture the simple pleasure of the 
Half House that evening when Alison and her husband 
sat down to supper, Janet and Miss Homer solemnly assist- 
ing in the master’s good health toast, and happiness to 
all; and whether they quite knew what they were eating 
or not mattered little, since it was all delight to face each 


378 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


other across the daintily served table, and when later, as 
though such days were quite their ordinary routine, Alison 
went to the new piano and christened it with Mendel- 
sohn’s “Auf Wiedersehen,” it was delicious to Broderick 
to sit near by, where, from the depths of his own chair, 
he could watch the slender, girlish figure, the white fingers 
on the keys, the delicately outlined profile of her uplifted 
face. 

“ God keep her fair of heart and body, mind and nature, 
as I have found her!” was in his heart. “It shall not be 
my fault if a rough wind of heaven ever touches her, now 
that — thank God! — she is my very own.” 

And this was their wedding journey into “Home-land” 
together. 


CHAPTER LIX. 


“ All ready, Agnes? Now, ray dear, am I to go down 
on my knees to hurry you ” 

But the master of Braune House was spared such a 
method of appeal by the appearance of Agnes at the bend 
in the staircase, looking very lovely and serene as she 
came slowly down, drawing on her gloves, while her lord 
and master breathed a sigh of relief. 

For, to be on time this morning was of decided 
importance, since the much talked of Music School of Exe- 
ford was to be formally opened with the dedicatory cere- 
monies usual on such occasions, and in the presence of 
as notable a company as the State could assemble. A 
pleasurable excitement prevailed everywhere; the October 
day was perfection; the holiday a general one for all 
hands, and every incoming train brought its quota of 
eager, excited, fluttering guests; the slight tinge of 
romance connected with the foundation of the school being 
sufficient to make every one anxious to see the manager of 
Broderick’s and his young wife, about whom so many 
and various were the reports that, while some expected a 
princess royal in manner and bearing, others were sure, 
"from what they had heard,” she was a very crude speci- 
men of a far Western girl — such as belongs to cheap litera- 
ture and not that breezy, finely developed part of our 
country; and a few openly averred she was a "strong- 
minded,” middle-aged woman who had captured her good- 
looking young husband by a clever ruse — posing for the 


380 


ALISON'S ADVENTURES. 


heroic! However, to-day would settle the question of 
externals. 

“Where are the Brodericks?” Agnes asked as she 
entered the carriage. “I know they were not quite sure 
last night ” 

“Oh, Broderick had all those Albanians to see,” said 
Jack lightly. “Winstane’s friends, you know. Alison 
was to meet us at the Hall ” 

And so it proved; when a little later the master of 
Braune House and his wife entered the Music Hall by its 
specially reserved door, Alison was the first to greet them 
as she came forward, smiling in her delight and looking 
very pretty in her quiet costume of dark brown; the little 
bonnet of yellowish straw with its bordering of seal-hued 
velvet having a touch of color in the crimson chrysanthe- 
mums that trimmed it effectively, while the bouquet of 
natural flowers in her belt was of Braune House roses. 

“ So ! Here we are again !” said Jack, grasping her hand 
cordially. “ Well, young lady; is it true you are to make 
a speech?” 

“Of course! so like me!” said Alison gayly. “Take 
care! Remember your powers of oratory are to be 
tested.” 

“Yes, and Agnes Mary Leigh, listen! If you dare 
look at me with that peculiar glittering gaze of yours 
I shall be — well ” 

“I won’t dare raise my eyes. I’ll just listen, Jack; 
only don’t ” 

“How see here!” exclaimed Jack. “Alison, Broderick, 
I appeal to you! If she’s given me one ‘don’t,’ she has 
fifty! I’m not generally accounted a nervous man ; but to 
have your better half, for example, wake you up in the 
dead of night to say: ‘Jack, dear, I hate to disturb you — 


ALISON’S AD VENTURES. 


381 


are you awake, Jack? — but really, when you make your 
address, try not to stand too much on the left foot’ ; or, it 
may be, ‘keep your right thumb well in your buttonhole up 
to thirdly ’ Is that, I ask, inspiring?” 

“Alison, let us leave him to his fate! He’s getting 
worse the longer he lives!” exclaimed Agnes, trying to 
look severe. 

“Is my hair — his hair — mein Herr here yet?” demanded 
Jack; “the great untonsorialated one.” 

“ Ogdeuthorpe? Oh, half an hour ago! Agnes, dear, 
our wish has come true, hasn’t it? All the music in us 
can v find a vent !” 

And Alison’s look, exchanged with one from her friend’s 
dark eyes, expressed what both were feeling as they made 
their way around to the box reserved for them and two or 
three local dignitaries, whence the hall which formed the 
centre of the building could be viewed to perfection. Its 
seating capacity, if not on a scale of great dimensions, 
was admirably managed, and likely to prove ample for the 
concerts to be given by members and pupils weekly during 
the coming year, while everything was in such good taste 
that the fresh paint, gilding, and such upholstery as it 
included did not present the crude effect of newness such 
decorations are apt to have, while flowers were in profu- 
sion, the air rich with their perfume, the autumn-colored 
woodlands having sent in their contributions in royal 
measure. 

Alison, who knew well that it was with his working 
friends her husband’s interest lay chiefly on this occasion, 
looked about at once for certain mill faces in the rapidly 
gathering audience, and was quickly employed bowing 
right and left to old friends, some of whom, like Jake 
Marks and his wife Jenny, stood up in their anxiety to see 


382 


ALISON’ 8 AD VENT LUES. 


and be seen by her, nodding demonstratively, waving pro- 
grammes, etc. Then the distinguished guests absorbed 
her attention, and she and Agnes found their time well 
occupied for the rest of the morning. 

And whatever the “glitter” of Agnes’ gaze, Jack Leigh 
certainly acquitted himself admirably; and yet it was but 
natural that Broderick should receive the most unstinted 
round upon round of applause when he made his address, 
for well they knew prosperity and the home happiness he 
had found had not in the smallest degree made him less 
the toiler’s friend and partner. He alluded briefly to the 
“happy combination of circumstances which had led to the 
building of the new music school” (great applause), the 
“fine era of prosperity for the mills which the autumn 
promised,” and went on to express a hope that, with the 
immense dormant talent of the sister towns, they should 
become as famous for their music as their handicraft, and 
show the world beyond that not only in the hum of their 
looms was their power of evoking music, whose echoes 
would reach down through the halls of time, telling a 
story of happy hearts and busy lives, of talents not 
buried but brought to their fulfilment, and after a 
slight rhetorical flourish of patriotism, with which no 
speaker on any Exeford or Exetown platform would dare 
to leave his audience, Broderick moved back, and the 
orchestra crashed forth in the strains of “ Hail, Columbia ! ” 

It was over at last; most successfully, as all conceded! 
The exit was in such a crowd as the town had never 
known ! Such laughing and talking, such efforts at hand- 
shakings and embracings, such eagerness to exchange 
opinions, criticisms, etc! Then at last Alison’s eager eye 
caught Broderick’s away at the end of the lobby, where 
lie was telegraphing a reassuring glance, and a few 


ALISON'S AD VENTURES. 


383 


moments later our friends were all whirling away to 
Braune House and Agnes’ luxurious luncheon party. 

Alison had but a moment apart with her husband before 
the company engrossed them, but she contrived to say, 
with her little nod of the head : “Not so bad a speech — for 
a mere workingman !” 

And Broderick’s answer was characteristic: “I never 
before felt so grateful that I belong to the working 
classes ! The sense of unity with and for them was my 
keynote! Did it strike home?” 

“Every time! O Hugh, I really thought you looked — 
well, quite good looking standing up there in that easy, 
independent way of yours. I murmured a little brava all 
to myself! A hip-hip , don’t you know?” 

“Broderick!” came from the corner of the main hall, 
where they were all congregated, “stop llirting with 
your wife, and come over here and show Mr. Corbett how 
we’re going to put those pivots into the Clyde.” 

“Horrid men! they can’t forget shop!” exclaimed 
Agnes, drawing nearer to Alison. “ Well, we will have a 
general rendezvous to-night, I suppose, Alison, my child. 
The Egertons, Winstanes, everybody. How happy Celia 
Kane was and is ! Think of her being librarian to the new 
school ! Well, it is a great work accomplished. I hope 
it will go on successfully. Jack says — and you know he 
sometimes is wonderfully observant — we must expect 
various ups and downs and trials and defeats, but, as he 
also says, the foundation is a very secure and well laid 
one, and it is for the greatest good to the greatest num- 
ber. Miss Homer declares she has ‘lived her day out’ 
in seeing this accomplished, and I verily believe it 
comes next to the meeting house in her mind as a place 
of worship.” 


384 


ALISON’S ADVENTURES. 


“Because,” said Alison, “it leads us away from our- 
selves. Do you remember the night we quoted Shakspere, 
Agnes, my dear? — the harmony of celestial souls! When 
we are dumb, let music speak for us ! It seems to reach far 
out, and meet what we — dream of !” 


THE END. 


The 

KH'iii 

I 

Famous 

Bli 

|||| 

PBii 

Castlemon 

Books. 

i 

lifts 1 

Imim 

Iralil 


BY 

Harry 


ilHj 

mm 

Castlemon. 

Hi 

ISwII 

IM 


Specimen Cover of the Gunboat 
Series. 


No author of the present day has become a greater favorite with boys than 
“Harry Castlemon; ” every bock by him is sure to meet with hearty re- 
ception by young readers generally. H.s naturalness and vivacity lead his 
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finished the fascinated reader, like Oliver Twist, asks “ for more.” 

***Any volume sold separately. 


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2 


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3 


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5 00 


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A 

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( 7 ) 


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For Honor’s Sake. By Lucy C. Lillie. i2mo. 

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THE HANDSOMEST AND CHEAPEST GIFT BOOK& 


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The “ BELLS ” Series has been undertaken by the publishers with a view 
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GEMS FROM TENNYSON. 

By Alfred Tennyson. Elegantly illustrated by Hammatt Billings. 

BEAUTIES OF TENNYSON. 

By Alfred Tennyson. Elegantly illustrated with twenty engravings, from 
original drawings by Frederic B. Schell. Beautifully printed on the finest 
plate paper. 

FROM GREENLAND’S ICY MOUNTAINS. 

By Bishop Heber. Elegantly illustrated with twenty-two engravings, from 
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plate paper. 

LADY CLARE. 

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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. 

By Clement C. Moore. Never before has this popular poem — a favorite 
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BINGEN ON THE RHINE. 

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THE BELLS. 

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THE DESERTED VILLAGE. 

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THE COTTER’S SATURDAY NIGHT. 

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^Stanbarb 



History of England, from the Accession of 
James the Second. By Thomas Babington 
Macaulay. Standard edition. With a steel portrait 
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History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman 
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History of England, from the Invasion of 
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A Dictionary of the Bible. Comprising its An- 
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History of the Civil War in America. By the 

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Comprehensive Biographical Dictionary. Em- 
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The Amateur Photographer. A manual of photo- 
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apparatus and . of processes. By Ellerslie Wallace, 
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